Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in introducing regulations to provide for the tariff scheme for offshore wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21356/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) support scheme as published is subject to EU State aids clearance. The majority of the term and conditions of REFIT as published will apply also to the additional categories of biomass, ocean energy and offshore wind which I announced in recent months. These additional categories are nevertheless amendments to the EU State aids clearance previously delivered. In line with the previous REFIT EU clearance, formal notification and agreement is also required before these new categories can be published in a binding format.

My Department is currently in communication with the EU Commission to ensure that the relevant approval is secured as quickly as possible.