Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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621. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide renewable energy feed-in tariffs to solar energy in 2016; the likely tariff given Ireland’s lower radiation levels which are about half of those experienced in southern Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19453/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects. This commitment builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar photo voltaic (PV) also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future.

It is widely recognised that solar photo voltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. With these significant changes in the cost of the technology, the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has only recently become a potential cost-effective option to increase energy security, contribute to our renewable energy targets, and support economic growth and jobs. It is also recognised, however, that while the cost competitiveness of solar PV has improved, it would still require a subsidy in order to be developed on a commercial basis.

In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual costings of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) scheme. While no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported - and the appropriate level of tariffs are still under consideration - the cost and technical viability of a range of renewable technologies is being assessed, including bioenergy and solar. The new scheme will also examine how communities can have a greater involvement than in previous schemes.

Designing and implementing a new scheme is a complex task and it is expected that the broad details of the new scheme will be available early next year. Before these details are announced, the Department will run a second public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.  Ultimately, the introduction of any new scheme will be subject to Government and State aid approval from the European Commission.