Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he foresees the energy sector compensating for the expansion of agriculture regarding our climate change obligations; his views on whether this is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24770/14]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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37. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he accepts the urgent need to reduce methane emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24543/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 37 together.

Climate and energy policies span a number of complex and interlinked policy areas and the achievement of climate change objectives requires contributions from a range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport and the built environment.

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. To achieve this, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand, and 10% and 12% respectively of power for transport and heat, from renewable sources.

The EU Commission published its 2030 Climate and Energy Package in January this year. Work is underway on a cross-Departmental basis to establish the appropriate national position for Ireland in relation to greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy targets in the context of an overall level of ambition set by the Commission for a 40% greenhouse gas reduction and 27% renewable energy target at EU level for 2030. The contribution of the various sectors to meeting the national targets will be considered as part of developing a national position over the coming months.