Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when his Department will publish regulations or legislation regarding the production of geothermal energy here; if he will confirm that the necessary drafting of such regulations is included in the upcoming minerals Bill, in view of the potential for job creation and renewable indigenous energy; when this matter will be provided for by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7618/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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A Geothermal Working Group was established in 2008 to set out the options for the development of a proportionate and realistic regulatory regime for geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland. As part of this process, a public consultation was held between June and August 2008. Over 30 submissions were received, mainly from people and organisations closely associated with geothermal development in Ireland. The results of the consultation exercise are currently being analysed. I expect the Working Group to report to me shortly.

The Working Group will report on effective regulatory and other measures that could be taken to increase the contribution of geothermal energy to meeting Ireland's targets for use of alternative energy. The legal aspects of a regulatory framework are among the issues under examination. Complex legal issues arise and consideration of these will impact on the timing of the Report, which I expect to receive later this year. I will decide on the need for legislation after I have considered the report.