Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has, through the Irish Energy Research Council, published a comprehensive Energy Research Strategy 2008 to 2013, as stated in the Energy White Paper; if he has not, when publication is scheduled; if he has, when it was published and the location it can be found. [4389/08]

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.

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.

In this regard, on 15 January last, I announced a major programme of activity, grants and supports to develop ocean energy in Ireland with significant targeted funding to go to the sector over the next three years. The Irish Energy Council is completing its work on an Energy Research Strategy for Ireland 2008-2013, which will advise on key areas of priority for energy research. I expect the Council to submit the Strategy to me by the end of March 2008. I then intend to undertake a public consultation process before finalising the Strategy, following any necessary Government deliberations.