Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which cost effectiveness and efficiency have been evaluated in respect of various methods of energy production, having particular regard to the need to protect the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8527/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have nothing further to add to my reply to Question No. 273 answered on 30 November 2004.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in regard to wind generated electricity and its availability to the national grid; if he has issued directions to the energy regulator or received communications therefrom in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8528/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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My policy on electricity generated from renewable sources, of which wind is the dominant technology, in the first instance is to increase consumption from these sources to 13.2% of total consumption by 2010 as required by Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market.

To ensure that this target is met, a renewable energy development group was established in May last. The group's report will also assist me in deciding on future targets and support mechanisms for the renewable energy sector, including wind energy. From my point of view, it is important to optimise the contribution of renewable energy technologies generally, including wind energy, to electricity production on a basis that is fair to all parties, including consumers, and that it can be integrated safely and easily into the national network.

Following the discussions of the group, I received a letter from the energy regulator expressing the view that the wind sector is now sufficiently developed to operate on a merchant basis. In the interests of clarity and transparency, I put the view of the energy regulator out to public consultation and several replies have been received. The views of the respondents will be considered alongside the view of the energy regulator.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is an independent body under paragraph 9 in the Schedule to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. I have no power to issue directions to the commission of the type referred to.