Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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31. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Ireland is not following the recommendation of the inter-governmental panel on climate change to leave all fossil fuels in the ground in view of the warning it has given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31650/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Security of energy supply is crucial to every society and economy. A well balanced fuel mix that provides reliable energy, minimises costs, and protects against supply disruptions and price volatility, is essential to Irish consumers and businesses.

The SEAI publication, Renewable Energy in Ireland 2012, noted the that oil and gas are a critical component of our energy mix, providing 76% of primary energy requirement in 2012. While Ireland has made considerable progress with regard to the use of renewable energy, it is the case that fossil fuels will continue to provide the lion's share of the energy mix well into the future.

The contribution of renewable energy to overall energy demand is rising steadily. It rose from 2.3% to 7.1% between 1990 and 2012, with renewable electricity contributing 4.1% to the overall energy demand in 2012. Ireland has committed to a target of 16% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020, through 40% from renewable electricity, 12% from renewable heat, and 10% from renewable transport. The ambition to have 40% of electricity consumed from renewable sources by 2020 is one of the most demanding in the world.

The Government is continuing to develop policies and actions aimed at increasing our security of supply, addressing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and achieving a more secure energy mix, while capitalising on indigenous renewable and conventional energy sources. The exploitation of indigenous gas supplies, and possible oil supplies, are important components of these policies.

The SEAI publication ‘Energy Forecasts for Ireland to 2020’ projects annual primary fuel requirement through to 2020, assuming that Ireland meets current renewable energy and energy efficiency targets set by the EU. These projections, which are available on the SEAI website, show that Ireland will remain dependent on fossil fuels well into the future. Oil and gas will remain central to the economy, particularly in the heating and transport sectors, until affordable, secure and viable alternatives become available.