Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Europe called for a review of the renewable energy directive of 2009 on 30 November 2016. The Commission has proposed to review those targets. Those targets range from 10% for Malta to 49% for Sweden and our target is 16% for 2020.These are renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind.

A consultation process in respect of this matter was to take place with the Minister. I have a number of concerns about such processes. We have to learn lessons from the past regarding wind energy and poor consultation with local communities. If the consultation takes place in the months of July and August, that is a time when people's minds are focused elsewhere. In rural Ireland, it may be a busy period in farming, with the harvesting of crops and other work to be done. There is a clear need for the Minister to announce when this review and the public consultation will take place. He must also ensure that communities are very much involved in the process. It is a beautiful sunny day today and many people are talking about the possibility of solar energy adding to renewable energy projects in the future. Will the Leader ensure that the consultation process takes place as soon as possible in order to ensure that people are informed and can contribute? Will he ensure that the leaders in those specific areas are consulted also, especially regarding solar energy. If he could do that as soon as possible, it would be helpful in terms of ensuring that the public can engage in a proper manner.