Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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221. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the supports for microgeneration here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7299/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a range of business supports to both large industry and SMEs. Companies wishing to develop renewable energy projects can avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including microgeneration, under the Better Energy Communities schemes.

In addition small scale renewable generation is eligible to apply for support under the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff schemes, known as REFIT.

Tax-based support measures include the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme which allows individual investors to obtain income tax relief on investments in renewable energy in each tax year. An Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme also allows companies to offset the cost of investment in qualifying renewable energy generation technologies, against their tax liabilities in year 1 rather than over a more prolonged period, thus aiding their cash flow.

Separately, the Department is currently considering the responses to the consultation on the Green Paper on Energy. The Green Paper, inter alia, sought feedback on the role that alternative technologies, such as microgeneration, could play in delivering our renewable energy ambitions. In addition, the paper also sought views on the role of microgeneration to empower citizens through decarbonisation of the home. The views will be taken into consideration in preparation of White Paper on Energy which will be published in September.

Given the emerging policy context and the requirements of the EU target market, my Department is considering the appropriateness of a new support scheme for electricity, to be available from 2016 onwards. A key component of this will be consideration of the available technologies, their cost effectiveness and the level of any support. Any scheme would be subject to State Aid Clearance and the initial public consultation on its development will commence shortly.