Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Although it is a more specific question for the Minister, I will give a general answer to the Deputy. We have already reached our 15% target and we have set a further target of producing 40% of our energy from sustainable sources by 2020. As the Deputy is aware, we are proceeding with interconnection with the UK so that we can access the wider regional energy market. We have brought about an all-island electricity market and, as a result, consumers have seen improvements in the prices they pay. As we try to meet the need to develop sustainable energy resources, we are moving to a greater degree of energy security. It is on target as we speak.

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