Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the strategy position for the development of renewable sources of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32182/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The development of renewable energy is a key priority for the Government as underlined in the Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012 to 2020, which I published in May.

Renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, improves security of supply, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions creating environmental benefits while delivering green jobs to the economy, thus contributing to national competitiveness and the jobs and growth agenda.

Like all dimensions of energy policy, a long term perspective is key to the development of renewables. The Strategy for Renewable Energy sets out five strategic goals – optimising onshore and offshore wind production; building a sustainable bioenergy sector; fostering R&D in renewables such as wave & tidal; growing sustainable transport and building out robust and efficient networks. In each case the Government has set out the necessary steps to achieve these goals, including the prospect of Ireland to become an exporter of renewable energy.