Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his priorities for the year ahead and the achievements from the Programme for Government to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36207/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The achievements of my Department under the programme for Government are as set out Annual Report 2012 as published by the Department of the Taoiseach. My priorities for the coming year are to continue to build on these achievements in line with Government commitments including:

Delivering Energy Efficiency Strategy, Programmes and Funding Mechanisms for business, public sector and domestic housing.

Ensuring progressive delivery on Ireland's legally binding EU renewable electricity, heat and transport targets and supporting the economic development of onshore and offshore renewable energy resources for the domestic and export markets.

Ensuring security of energy supply through cost effective timely investment in energy infrastructure and robust emergency planning for oil, gas and electricity.

Leading and overseeing the regulatory and policy work to optimally position the All-Island Single Energy Market and Common Arrangements for gas in the regional/EU Internal Energy markets.

Ensuring the competitiveness of energy costs for business and the consumer through actions to address controllable costs.

Developing a Next Generation Broadband Strategy

Roll out of high speed broadband to 200 second level schools.

Developing a new Digital Strategy.

Completing Analogue Switch-off.

Ensuring the sustainable and productive management of our mineral, hydrocarbon and other natural resources.