Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to further encourage energy research development; the position regarding the grants available under Charles Parsons II; the position in relation to the energy research strategy; the budget available to this area in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35632/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government underline the Government's priority commitment to energy research development and innovation in line also 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.

A comprehensive energy research strategy is currently being finalised by the Irish Energy Research Council, which will advise on the key energy research priorities in the short to medium term. Building national energy research capacity and capability has already been identified as an area for priority attention. The Charles Parsons awards have already committed €20 million for the period 2007 to 2012 to progressively develop energy research capacity in third level institutions.

The Programme for Government also commits to enhancing the remit of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to include a third research pillar in the area of sustainable energy and energy efficiency technologies, and discussions are underway with SFI accordingly. In the context of taking forward this commitment, I am considering carefully the approach to take in respect of a second round of the Charles Parsons Awards.

At the end of 2006, €7.9m from the Department's Vote was expended on the first tranche of funding under the Charles Parsons Awards covering the period 2007 to 2009. The projected 2007 outturn for the energy RTDI subhead of the Vote is estimated at €515,000. As announced on Budget Day we are providing €13.1 million for energy RTDI in 2008 including new funding of €5 million to underpin Ocean Energy Research and Development.