Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has met with the Department of Transport in view of Sustainable Energy Ireland's findings that transport energy efficiency has barely improved since 1995; the manner in which improvements can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28961/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The report on Energy Efficiency in Ireland published by Sustainable Energy Ireland underlines the scale of the challenges inherent in delivering an energy efficient transport system. The Programme for Government commits to the promotion of the sustainable use of energy in transport. In that context my colleague the Minister for Transport in consultation with me and other Ministerial colleagues, is preparing a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will set out a range of measures for enhancing the energy efficiency and sustainability of the transport sector. I am also working with him to ensure that the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan fully reflects our objectives to improve energy efficiency in the transport sector.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in introducing net metering as was promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28989/07]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the projected cost in the roll out of net metering as was promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28991/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 53 together.

The national smart meter programme which I announced recently is the key to facilitating the introduction of net metering to allow consumers to sell electricity back into the grid from any renewable power supplies they have. The Commission for Energy Regulation is leading the implementation of the smart meter programme which will among other things investigate the various potential applications of smart meter technology including micro generation and net metering potential. In that context the costs and benefits of net metering will be the subject of further analysis.