Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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358. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a comprehensive economic and technical analysis of all costs and subsidies has been or will be undertaken in respect of the export of electricity to Britain generated by means of wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33127/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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On 24 January 2013, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey.Detailed work is now underway to consider how Ireland's renewable energy resources, both onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of Ireland and the United Kingdom. This will determine whether it is beneficial for both countries to enter into an Inter-Governmental Agreement under the Renewable Energy Directive to provide for renewable energy trading. This work includes analysis of the economic and technical aspects of the proposal. The mechanism for remunerating any wind farms that may in the future export renewable energy from Ireland to the United Kingdom has yet to be decided but will not involve any subsidy costs being imposed on the Irish State or consumer. Any Inter-Governmental Agreement will also have to ensure an adequate return to the Irish Exchequer.