Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1197: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to stimulate the development of alternative energy resources. [19940/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The commitment in The Programme for Government and the Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020, to the development of alternative energy resources is being underpinned by a range of support programmes and strategies for renewable energy development and deployment. This includes wind, ocean and bioenergy, all of which represent significant opportunities for Ireland to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the national priority objectives for security of energy supply, climate change and competitiveness.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1198: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to support energy research development and innovation programmes. [19941/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Energy Research and Innovation is a key part of both the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy 2006-2013 and the National Development Plan, reflecting the vital importance of the energy sector and the imperative to deliver sustainable, competitive and secure energy supplies for the economy and society. Our ambitious targets for renewable energy and climate change as reflected in the Programme for Government require a step change in research and innovation in the energy research sphere.

The National Development Plan makes provision for investment of €149m in energy research over the period to 2013. The investment will be underpinned by an energy research strategy for the medium to long term, which delivers on Ireland's strengths and tackles specific national priorities, while ensuring that Ireland benefits from international energy research and innovation. The Energy Policy Framework commits to the development of a comprehensive energy research strategy, which will be finalised by end year under the auspices of the Irish Energy Research Council.

In line with the Programme for Government, particular priority will be given to R&D on renewable technologies, including biomass, ocean, solar and wind. Other key energy research priority areas in the Energy Policy Framework include energy efficiency in transport, the built environment and industry, electricity storage projects and grid integration for renewables. The National BioEnergy Action Plan also highlights R&D priorities for second generation biofuels and research forestry and energy crops.

The development of a national energy research capability has already been identified as an area for priority attention. Awards made to date under the Charles Parsons scheme will progressively develop energy research capacity across all disciplines in third level institutions across the island.

Detailed research priorities and further design of schemes and programmes will be pursued as the energy research strategy is developed with the Irish Energy Research Council. The Programme for Government also commits to amending the remit of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to include a third research pillar in the area of sustainable energy and energy efficiency technologies, and discussions are under way with SFI accordingly.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1199: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to work with the European Commission and other national grid operators to develop an offshore wind farm grid connection system to power the rest of Europe. [19942/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In line with the Programme for Government published in June of this year, I am committed to working with the European Commission and other Member States to progress the scope for a European offshore wind farm grid connection system.

Ireland's position on the EU potential will be informed by the all-island grid study, which is due to be completed shortly and by the Grid Development Strategy 2007–2025, which is currently being developed by EirGrid.

Work is also ongoing with the European Commission to ensure that there is effective cross-border regulation in the electricity markets across Europe to facilitate the development and operation of energy infrastructure among the Member States.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1200: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date on which he plans to establish an ocean energy development unit. [19943/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government commits to establishing an Ocean Energy Development Unit. I have asked my Department to engage with the relevant players in this area including third level institutions currently involved in the ocean energy research area, Sustainable Energy Ireland, and the Marine Institute with a view to finalising the scope and locus of the Ocean Energy Development Unit and to bring forward proposals to me at an early date.

This is an area where the Government is keen to make rapid progress in order to seize the opportunities for Ireland in wave and tidal technology as a contributor to our overall renewable energy mix, going forward.