Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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17. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will increase funding to Teagasc's bioenergy research into renewable energy in order for Ireland to increase its chances of meeting renewable heat targets through essential research; his plans to increase funding to University bioenergy research projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10462/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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In October 2014, the Minister published a Draft Bioenergy Plan which will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments, including public consultation, which will inform the content of a finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly.

The draft Plan sets out the broader context for the development of Ireland’s bioenergy sector, and the current status with regard to the range of policy areas, including research, that must be coordinated in order to create the conditions necessary to support the development of this sector. The draft Plan also identifies the next steps that must be taken to support the sustainable development of the sector.

The draft Plan acknowledges that research and development in the bioenergy sector remains a key priority of energy policy and recommends that appropriate bionergy research continues to be carried out in Ireland along the entire innovation chain, from basic research to pre-commercial demonstration. The Bioenergy Steering Group, which has been established to oversee the implementation of the draft Plan, has set up a working group specifically to coordinate actions across bioenergy research and development. Reflecting the cross-sectoral nature of bioenergy research, the working group will draw membership from the relevant Departments and Agencies, including Teagasc as well as engaging with third level institutions and commercial bodies.

The Department does not directly provide bioenergy research funding to Universities nor does it do do so for Teagasc. It does, however, provide the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with funding to support research, development and demonstration projects in the area of renewable energy, including bioenergy.

I am advised that Teagasc, along with other research bodies, applies for research funding through competitive research programmes such as the Research Stimulus Fund and from other sources such as EU funds and industry. It is also in receipt of an annual grant-in-aid allocation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to fund the delivery of core research, advisory and education services to the agriculture and food sector.