John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 958: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether nuclear power has become more economically feasible in view of the large rise in oil prices; if he will commission a comprehensive financial analysis or assessment of the feasibility of constructing and operating a nuclear reactor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28877/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have no plans to commission a financial analysis of the feasibility of constructing and operating a nuclear generation plant. However, I would welcome and encourage debate on the issue and I have previously suggested the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security as an appropriate forum for such a debate. I would, however, stress that the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government make it clear that the Government fully intends to maintain the statutory prohibition on nuclear generation in Ireland.

Ireland's position on nuclear generation is shared by several EU Member States. The EU Reform Treaty reaffirms the fundamental right of Member States to determine their own choice between different energy resources and the general structure of their energy supply. The Government is taking a range of actions to deliver fully sustainable and diverse energy resources in transport, heating and power generation. In each of the three areas of energy use I firmly believe that we have sustainable solutions. In my view the priority should be to accelerate delivery on our targets for renewable energies and energy efficiency.

In addition, radically improving energy efficiency, and achieving the ambitious renewable energy target set by the Government, will ensure that demand itself is more sustainable. Indeed energy efficiency is a fundamental part of the Government's strategy to address energy costs and environmental impact and it is clear that it will be increasingly critical to ensuring sustainable supply of energy.