Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he took at EU level in respect of the gas supply dispute between Russia and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4544/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Some 80% of Russian gas imports to the EU are transported through the Ukraine. This represents about 23% of total EU consumption.

Ireland's demand for gas is met almost entirely by imports from the UK with declining production and storage at Kinsale, now supplying around 4%, accounting for the remainder. Irish imports account for around 5% of the UK gas market. The vast bulk of UK gas demand is currently being met by indigenous North Sea production and imports from Norway. The UK is also interconnected with continental Europe and receives some gas from Russia. I understand this would account for less than 2 % of the gas in the UK system. As a result, Ireland experienced no adverse impact on our gas supplies as a result of the recent Russia/Ukraine dispute.

Ireland participated fully in the discussions required for the EU evaluation and response to the recent Russia/Ukraine gas dispute. We consistently supported the EU position, as voiced by President Barosso, that the actions of the parties who are involved in contractually supplying gas to the EU have been unacceptable and that the interests of the EU in dealing with all third countries can only be served by all Member States speaking with one voice. To this end, Ireland has also voiced support on a number of occasions for the call by the European Commission for increased transparency in the sharing of data on gas metrics in the EU in order to provide a strong basis for solidarity arrangements to be developed.

The development of an EU energy emergency response mechanism, and robust arrangements for solidarity between Member States in the event of an energy emergency, will remain very high on the EU agenda for the foreseeable future. It is critical that, as part of its energy policy and to complement the proper functioning of the internal energy market, the EU develops the capability to respond effectively to energy disruptions and provide support for Member States affected by such events. Ireland — as one of the most peripheral energy markets in the EU — will participate fully in this work.