Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the recent EU meeting where a plan for a common EU energy policy was presented by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair; the Government's position on the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34348/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland was represented at the recent heads of state informal Council at Hampton Court London by the Taoiseach. I understand that the issue of energy formed part of a wide ranging discussion on the challenges and opportunities posed by globalisation and changing demographics in the EU.

While the British Prime Minister raised the desirability of formulating a common energy policy within the European Union, no formal proposal as yet exists in this respect. I understand that the European Commission is considering bringing forward a Green Paper on this subject sometime during 2006 in which all options will be considered. This is expected to lead to a communication setting out a comprehensive approach to energy policy by the end of next year.