Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will fund further research and a detailed cost benefit analysis into the potential for deep geothermal energy exploitation in here; if he will provide legislation;the budget that will be made available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35617/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Deep geothermal energy exploitation may offer the potential to supply an important part of Ireland's renewable energy mix. In order for this sector to develop to a level that is commercially sustainable, a regulatory and administrative regime would need to be implemented to provide for the orderly development of geothermal energy. Some complex issues in relation to ownership and access will need to be addressed in this context.

I am also conscious of the fact that the deep geothermal sector in Ireland is in a fledgling state and for this reason I am convening an internal informal group within my Department to address this issue. The group will carry out a stakeholder consultation early in the course of their work and, I would expect this to be launched early in the New Year. I have asked that they report to me as early as possible in the first half of 2008. I will then consider how to further progress this issue. Exploitation of earth resources is a private sector activity, which should be facilitated by the State and therefore the budgeting for the development of new geothermal resources will primarily be a matter for the private sector rather than the State.