Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has in place to deal with the situation where there are almost 8000 MW of wind energy projects in the queue for the gate three connection process; his views on whether it will be necessary to prioritise some of these projects over others in order to maximise the benefit to the country; his further views on the criteria on which he will grant some projects priority over others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10673/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the changes in financial arrangements or tariffs to the onshore wind sector in recent months; if, in view of recent announcements, offshore is the preferred option for wind energy; his views on the 8000 MW of wind applications to the grid at the present time; the position regarding these applications; if the onshore providers awaiting access to the grid will be given less favourable status than offshore wind applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10564/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 111 together.

The processing of applications for connections to the electricity network is a matter for ESB Networks or EirGrid in the first instance. Any dispute in relation to connection requests and decisions, including the processing of Gate Three applications, are matters for the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no statutory function in the matter.

Projects which have secured a connections offer and planning permission can apply to my Department's Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) programme. The programme offers guaranteed prices to projects across a variety of renewable energy technologies. As the Deputy is aware, I have added a number of technologies to REFIT in recent weeks. The different prices under the various REFIT categories do not indicate any preference or priority for any technology over another. The REFIT programme does not favour any one technology or category over another. It does not set out to pick winners in that sense but does aim to reflect the differing investment costs for the various technologies.

The provision of a higher price in any category over another is indicative of the higher average production costs in that category and the level of payments required to ensure the completion of projects in the higher cost technologies. My recent announcement of a higher price for offshore wind projects reflects both the higher investment costs and operating costs in that category.