Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of meetings he has held since 13 July 2007 as part of the whole Government Energy Innovation and Employment Initiative announced that day; the extra investment and jobs in the energy services and green technology sectors as a result of those meetings; if the IDA will have involvement in this initiative; if Exchequer funding will be available to encourage investment in the sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/07]

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 purpose of holding the event was to start a dialogue with the key players on innovation and job creation in the energy sector.

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. Our ambitious and essential targets for energy efficiency in the built environment and across the economy will also stimulate and support economic activity in the energy technology services and the building sector.

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 are also 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. 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 am planning a further energy innovation summit with the sector next March as part of a regular engagement and dialogue. Enterprise Ireland will continue to be involved in the engagement.

Exchequer assistance is currently targeted at promoting the development of the renewable energy sector by stimulating demand for renewable energy goods and services. The Greener Homes scheme which has stimulated significant demand by householders has achieved a dramatic increase in renewable technology suppliers and a ten-fold expansion in the number of renewable energy products available on the market.