Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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479. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources following publication of the EU Framework on Climate and Energy for 2030 presented by the European Commission, the impact this will have on Irish climate and energy policy; if this will lead to a review of our present policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4266/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Primary responsibility for Climate Change policy rests with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. However, the achievement of climate change objectives requires contributions from a range of sectors, including energy. The period between 2020 and 2030 is the next critical phase for the EU in its transition to a low carbon economy. The EU Commission’s proposals for a 2030 Climate and Energy policy framework are an important milestone in a complex policy development process that spans these two major EU policy areas.

As far as Ireland's energy policy is concerned, the overriding objective is to ensure competitive, secure and sustainable energy for the economy and for society. Renewable energy has a critical role to play in regard to each element of this objective. Prior to the publication of the Commission's 2030 proposals, I supported, along with seven other European Energy Ministers, a renewable energy target for 2030. Given the long lead in time for energy developments, clear investment signals are critical for the renewable energy sector if it is to be in a position to make a contribution to achieving 2030 goals. Not only is the renewable energy sector of key importance in the context of 2030, it also provides a real, and sustainable, economic opportunity for Ireland, both in terms of providing a secure, indigenous source of energy, and as a clean export.

We will now proceed to work closely with our European partners to establish the scale of the contribution Ireland can make to the acheivement of the EU-wide binding target for renewable energy of at least 27% in 2030. Considerable analysis of the Commission’s proposals will be required to ensure that the framework allows for action that is cost effective and does not place a disproportionate burden on EU energy consumers