Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that deregulation sufficiently provides for the introduction of new service providers in the area of alternative energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19992/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that deregulation sufficiently provides for the introduction of new service providers in the area of alternative energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20302/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 175 together.

The markets in electricity generation and supply are now fully liberalised markets. Notwithstanding full liberalisation of these markets this Government is committed to increase the contribution from renewable energy technologies to electricity generation and consumption.

The current minimum target is to increase the contribution from renewable energy sources to 13.2% of total electricity production by 2010. I am satisfied that if the target is to be delivered under reasonable assumptions a support programme must continue.

However, because the market is fully liberalised under EU rules any intervention into the liberalised market should be the minimum necessary. It will therefore be a matter for the market to determine whether the continuing support will be availed of by existing or new service providers.