Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total value of research development and demonstration projects in the energy sector funded by the exchequer currently underway; if this is less than the 2006 figure of €25 million announced in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, the reason for the drop; if there is any intention that the Energy Research Council will provide annual reports on its activities and expenditure; the structures in place to oversee the large amounts of expenditure in this area and access the quality of the outcomes in terms of commercial viability and value to the state energy sector. [31620/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Energy Policy White Paper and the Programme for Government underline the Government's priority commitment to energy research in line with EU priorities. The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy and the National Development Plan both reflect the vital importance of energy research and innovation to underpin the energy sector and the imperative to deliver sustainable, competitive and secure energy supplies for the economy and society. Our ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency targets in particular require a significant ramping up of research and innovation.

The Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation published in 2006 noted that approximately 130 energy Research Development and Demonstration projects were underway in Ireland with a total funded value of approximately €25million. This assessment was based on an inventory compiled by my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) of energy research projects under way in 2004 comprising publicly and privately funded energy research activity. Under the National Development Plan the Exchequer envelope for energy research over the period is €149 million. The Irish Energy Council is finalising its Energy Research Strategy 2008-2013, which will advise on key areas of priority for energy research. Our commitment to building energy research capacity has already been reflected in the provision of €20m for over 200 researchers in Irish third level institutions over 7 years of which €7.9m was paid in 2006. It is a key priority for the Government to accelerate Research and Development into renewable energy technologies notably ocean energy in order to realise Ireland's undoubted potential and to deliver on the national targets for renewable energy.

The Energy Research Council is a non-statutory advisory and coordination forum which will advise on, and generally oversee, the roll out of the forthcoming Strategy. The Council does not have direct expenditure responsibilities for energy research. Expenditure under the Energy RTDI subhead of my Department's Vote and the research related programme expenditure of SEI will be reported on annually in terms of outputs and outcomes.