Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence regarding a renewable energy project in a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [20044/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market rests with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body and my Department has no statutory function in the matter. I am aware, however, that in Ireland's deregulated open market, electrical suppliers can source their electricity from whatever sources they wish. I understand that presently there are two schemes in place for selling renewable energy back to the Grid, the first is a Microgeneration scheme for domestic users and the second is a REFIT Tariff scheme for commercial scaled installations. Presently, it appears that surplus electricity may be credited only to these two schemes.

I suggest that the Deputy may wish to contact the CER and or the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCE&NR) relating to any options that may be open to the school. I am aware that the school has had some engagement previously with the DCE&NR concerning the matter to which the Deputy refers.