Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views, in relation to the draft directive on the promotion of energy from renewable sources, on the top priorities for Ireland in the negotiations; if the targets proposed are consistent with Government policy; the further measures needed to ensure the targets will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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At the Council of Energy Ministers in February, and again at the Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers in Paris last week, I confirmed Ireland's general support for the proposed Renewable Energy Directive.

The overall target for the European Union of 20% renewable energy contributions to electricity by 2020 is ambitious but essential. All Member States will have to play their part by delivering their individual share of the overall target. It was clear in last weeks discussions with my European colleagues and Commissioner Piebalgs, that Member States are prepared to rise to the challenge.

For our part, the renewable energy target proposed for Ireland of 16% for the electricity, heat and transport sectors is challenging but achievable. It is also consistent with the Governments own targets set in the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government. In the negotiations to date on the Directive, Ireland has worked with other Member States to ensure that the proposed trading system of Guarantees of Origin of renewable energies is sufficiently flexible and has the necessary safeguards for renewable energy support systems at national level. Together with other colleagues at the Informal Energy Ministers Meeting, I underlined the importance of agreeing flexibility and cooperation mechanisms which will reinforce and support delivery by individual Member States of their national targets. I welcome the French Presidency's proposal to reach an agreement around flexibility by the next Energy Council in October.

We will continue to work with the Presidency, the Commission and other Member States to achieve satisfactory outcomes in relation to the Renewable Energy Directive and which will provide the best possible framework for delivery on Ireland's renewable energy targets.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a call from EirGrid for more to be done to construct the 250MW per annum needed to reach the Government's renewables targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28026/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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EirGrid, as the State body responsible for the national transmission system, is working to deliver the necessary upgrading and expansion of the transmission grid in the interests of the economy and regional development. I welcome the call by EirGrid's Chief Executive for collective engagement by all stakeholders in meeting the challenges inherent in delivering vitally needed new transmission infrastructure, which is safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable.

I share his view that all stakeholders working together have to find a way to balance overall public good and economic and social policy objective with the concerns of individuals and local communities.

The development of our high capacity grid network is needed to meet overall demand for electricity by business and consumers, to provide the critical infrastructure needed for balanced regional development and security of supply and to deliver on Ireland's renewable energy targets. If we are to achieve the levels of penetration of renewable energy onto the network, major development of the transmission grid is required.

EirGrid is finalising its Grid Development Strategy, which will take a strategic look forward to 2025. The strategy's assumptions around renewable energy generation will be consistent with the All-island Grid Study which showed we could attain 42% of our electricity from renewables by 2020.

I welcome the fact that the necessary legislation to enable EirGrid to construct, own and maintain an interconnector has recently passed all stages in the Dáil and the Seanad. This will enable EirGrid to progress the East-West interconnector project, which is on track to be completed in 2012. The East-West interconnector will support the increased penetration of renewable generation, particularly wind generation, in the Irish market. It will also allow surplus power to be exported to Britain in times of high wind generation.

There are very many challenges ahead. I have every confidence that EirGrid, as the State-owned transmission company, will continue to work in the national interest and in conjunction with all stakeholders, to deliver a sustainable transmission system in support of economic and social needs.