Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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563. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the priorities in his Department for the remainder of the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49019/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Statement of Government Priorities 2014 to 2016 sets out clear and ambitious targets to build on the achievements of the last three years and to broaden and deepen the economic and social recovery and improve the living standards of our citizens. Energy and broadband connectivity are amongst the most strategic sectors of the Irish economy and are clearly reflected in the strategy for economic and social recovery set out in the Statement.

The statement identifies the promotion of investment in indigenous energy production, reduction of emissions, improvement of security of supply and creation of jobs as overriding objectives. In doing so we need to be cognisant of energy cost competitiveness, while anchoring Irish energy policy in the three pillars of EU Energy policy. In the area of broadband, I have recently published a Connecting Communities public consultation on a national map showing the expected commercial availability of high speed broadband by 2016 and identifying the area that the national broadband plan itself needs to cover. Significant commercial investment is already underway and will be complemented by State investment aimed at addressing those areas where there is no commercial case for investment. To help create jobs and growth in small to medium enterprises, an online trading voucher scheme has been launched and is targeting support to over 2,000 SMEs over a two year period.

My Department is currently finalising a new Statement of Strategy which will set out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies for my Department for the next three years. It will include:

- A legislative programme that will include new Broadcasting, Minerals and Fisheries legislation;

- The development of an Energy White Paper, for publication in 2015, which takes account, inter alia, of energy and climate change objectives and targets over the medium and long term, specific obligations to 2020 in relation to renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency, and the need to ensure security of supply and competitiveness in our energy system;

- Further development of the National Broadband Plan;

- Continued roll-out of the National Digital Strategy;

- supporting a diverse and financially stable broadcasting sector;

- the roll-out the National Postcode project; and

- Overseeing the 2015 offshore Oil and Gas licensing Round.

When complete, the Statement of Strategy will be presented to the House early in the new year.