Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1078. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out his views on a comprehensive energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42037/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland was published in May and sets out six energy policy priorities as follows:

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The publication commenced a period of public consultation under which written contributions were sought by the end of July. Over 1,240 submissions were received. The process of developing a definitive Energy Policy is continuing with further engagement at stakeholder events at various regional locations to the end of the year. My Department is focussed on ensuring that the assumptions on which the final policy paper will be written are tested and accurate, so as to produce a dynamic and responsive evidence based framework which will facilitate us in steering an appropriate course as we seek to address sustainability, security and competitiveness challenges and opportunities.

The text of the policy paper will be progressed during the first half of 2015 with a view to publication of the final policy paper by September 2015. The new energy policy framework will be timely in that it will be guided by Ireland’s input to the EU’s 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy policies and the preparations for the UN’s COP21 (the 21^stConference of the Parties within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Paris in Decembernext year.