Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

According as we increase our renewable portfolio, we are not only doing the work we need to do in terms of replacing fossil fuels, but renewable energy is indigenous and does not require us to import any fuel in order to generate, for example, electricity. At the same time as replacing fossil fuels, and replacing dirtier fuels and fuel inputs, we are also reducing our dependence on imports. I can let the Deputy have some information on that. I gave some numbers to the House earlier in respect of 2014. This process will continue. The period to 2020 will be challenging but we were ahead in the energy area and I believe we can meet the 40% target in respect of electricity by 2020. It will be more difficult in the area of heat and more difficult again in the area of transport. I have responsibility for the energy sector but there will be challenges also in the agriculture sector and across the board.

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