Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Foreign Affairs

Gas Prices

10:00 am

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on current Russian relations with Belarus regarding gas prices; the implications for Ireland regarding winter energy prices; the communications he has had with the respective EU Commissioners for Energy and External Relations on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29648/10]

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding the dispute between Russia and Belarus over gas supplies; his views on the fact that this could have implications for the availability of gas in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29588/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 58 together.

The recent gas dispute between Belarus and Russia appears to be moving towards a resolution and I understand that supplies into Belarus have resumed.

Although the dispute did not have any impact on Ireland, we kept the situation under close review through our participation in the EU's Gas Coordination Group. This expert group, which meets in Brussels, is chaired by the European Commission and consists of representatives from all EU Member States and the European gas industry. Its purpose is to monitor the gas security situation within the EU on an ongoing basis and to coordinate the EU's response to events such as the Russia and Belarus gas dispute.

At a meeting of the Gas Coordination Group on 18 June, Member States were briefed on the unfolding situation between Russia and Belarus by both the Energy and External Relations Directorates of the Commission. Reports were also received from Poland and Lithuania, the EU Member States for which Belarus provides transit for imports of Russian gas. Daily updates were subsequently provided to Member States. I understand that gas flows to Poland and Lithuania have now returned to normal.

The Russia/Belarus gas dispute again illustrates the importance of energy security for the EU and why this issue remains at the top of the EU agenda. A key driver for action to strengthen EU energy security was the experience of the Russia/Ukraine gas crisis in January 2009. Since then the EU's ability to respond quickly to potential gas supply problems has been strengthened significantly. In recent weeks agreement has been reached on a new EU regulation for security of gas supply. The aim of the new regulation is to increase the security of gas supply within the EU by ensuring each Member State has an adequate level of preparedness for a gas disruption. The regulation will greatly enhance cooperation across the EU in all aspects of planning for, and response to, a disruption to gas supply.

While the recent Russia/Belarus situation has not impacted adversely on Ireland, it does remind us that other parts of the EU gas market can experience volatility. As it now appears to have been resolved no impact is expected on our gas prices this winter.

All of this takes place within the political context of the EU's efforts to enhance relations with both its eastern partners and Russia leading to an environment where disputes can be addressed in a constructive atmosphere. In this regard, I welcome the significant improvements we have seen in the EU's relationship with Russia, as evidenced by the more positive atmosphere at recent EU-Russia Summits. I also welcome the ongoing development of the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative which was launched in Prague in May 2009. The Eastern Partnership aims to enhance the EU's relations with our eastern neighbours, including Belarus, and provides a mechanism through which we can help support domestic reform and economic development.

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