Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the need for legislation to clear the way for development and exploration of geothermal energy; if it is his intention to incorporate this into the Minerals Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10520/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated in the Minister's answer to Parliamentary Question number 393 of 24th February 2009, a Geothermal Working Group was established by the Department 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 energy 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 Working Group's report. I will decide on the need for legislation after I have considered that report.