Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree of dependence for electricity generation on oil, gas, nuclear or various forms of renewables in each of the EU States in the context of a pan-European electricity grid; the extent to which each country is redefining its energy policy; if the availability of adequate power here will be affected by future developments in Europe with particular reference to economic and environmental needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20012/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The information sought by the Deputy in relation to each of the EU Member States is published by the EU Commission in a document entitled Energy and Transport in Figures 2005 and is available from the EU Commission's website. Energy policy across all EU countries is developed taking account of domestic and local influencing factors and is a matter for individual decision by the countries themselves. At an EU-wide level, the development of the EU Energy Green Paper is very much focused on security of supply and long-term sustainability, taking account of rising import dependence and the need to invest in infrastructure. As an island nation on the periphery of Europe, Ireland has an acute interest in these aspects of energy policy. In the longer term, enhanced interconnection with other EU markets will deliver improved security of supply and greater consumer choice. In this context the development of the All-island Energy market and the development of interconnection both North/South and East/West with the UK are important steps in this regard.