Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will bring forward a microgeneration strategy in the context of figures that indicate that there are just 21 microgeneration units connected to the energy system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23051/07]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he will facilitate the introduction of net metering to allow consumers to sell electricity back into the grid from a renewable power supply that they possess while also taking power from the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23133/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 62 together.

The programme for Government commits to developing Ireland's considerable potential for distributed generation, including micro-generation. In terms of international best practice we have a considerable distance to make up. The first step in implementing the programme for Government commitment, in relation to micro-generation, is the facilitation of a net metering system whereby local producers can sell surplus electricity they generate back to the grid. This will be made easier by the introduction of smart meters to all micro-generation sites.

My Department is working with Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Commission for Energy Regulation, ESB Networks and the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland, to put in place these and all other administrative, technical and safety standards and practices to underpin the widespread deployment of micro generation technologies.