Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to bring Ireland's energy policy into line with best practice in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2056/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government's position on proposed moves to secure an EU-wide energy policy as indicated in recent comments by EU Energy Commissioner, Mr. Andris Piebalgs; if the Government favours such a development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2108/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 641: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to bring Ireland's energy policy into line with best practice in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2004/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 172, 207 and 641 together.

I intend to publish an energy policy consultation paper in the first half of 2006 which will set out medium and long-term perspectives for national energy policy and which will take account of the considerable and complex challenges for Irish energy policy going forward.

Following on the informal EU Heads of State meeting last autumn at Hampton Court and in light of a range of developments including security of oil and gas supply concerns, there is distinctly renewed interest in developing a common energy policy at EU level. This is reflected in recent statements by the Commissioner and the Austrian Presidency.

The energy agenda, including the possible framework for a new policy, security of supply and the operation of the internal energy market will be discussed at the spring European Council. The Government will approach any emerging proposal for a common energy policy with an open mind and I would expect Ireland to play a proactive part in any future process to scope and shape the basic principles, objectives and actions of such a policy consistent with our own national priorities. I will meet Commissioner Piebalgs in the coming weeks, which will be an opportunity to review developments with him.