Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of cross-departmental interaction with regard to policy effects on energy and communications; when the high level group comprising key delivery Departments and agencies will be set up in relation to the national energy efficiency action plan; the persons who it will comprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Energy policy is a whole Government priority and is by definition closely interrelated with other policy areas. The delivery of enhanced Energy Efficiency in particular involves a range of Departments and Agencies. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan sets out the proposed range of actions, to deliver a minimum of 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy by 2020 with the additional objective of surpassing this target. We have also set a target of 33% for energy savings across the public sector. Following the current public consultation process I intend to bring the Action Plan to Government and to launch it early in the New Year.

My Department is already actively engaged with the Departments and Agencies most directly concerned in finalising the Action Plan. Implementation of the Action Plan will entail delivery right across Departments and Agencies, including notably the Departments of Finance, Transport, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Office of Public Works. The Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security will oversee crosscutting delivery, supported by the Senior Officials Group, and my Department will convene a high level Group of Departments and Agencies to drive implementation following the launch of the Action Plan. I will advise the Deputy of the names of the members of the group following its establishment.