Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps that have been taken since the forum on innovation and employment in energy, held on 13 July 2007, to attract higher levels of investment in the renewable energy sector here; and the progress in the whole-Government energy innovation and employment initiative announced that day. [33213/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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On 13 July this year, I hosted a forum for senior representatives from across the Irish energy sector. The theme of the meeting was innovation and job creation in the energy sector. The purpose of holding the event was to start a dialogue with the key players in the energy sector regarding the opportunity to locate investment in clean energy technologies in Ireland.

Investment in clean and green energy technologies is growing worldwide. Ireland's advantage in renewable natural resources such as wind and ocean energy creates the potential to benefit from such investment.

Meeting the challenge of climate change and ensuring secure energy supplies into the future means adopting a radically different approach to our energy services. I believe that these challenges should be seen as presenting tangible opportunities to generate significant economic activity in the energy services and green technology sectors, with clear benefits to the economy.

This forum was the beginning of a process of regular engagement with the energy industry. On 23 November I hosted a high-level discussion for senior members of the Irish and international finance community on the subject of financing for sustainable energy, as a further step in the process.

This was an opportunity for discussion and an exchange of views with the finance community on the investment climate in Ireland for sustainable energy. I intend to host another forum with the energy sector in the New Year as part of a regular engagement and dialogue.

The objective of these engagements, and of the targeted Exchequer assistance available for use of renewable energy, is to promote the development of the renewables sector in Ireland. In my view good progress is being made in this regard.