Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1152. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his priorities under the headings of communications, climate action and the environment; the extent to which targets are being met; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14267/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The mission of my Department, as set out in our Statement of Strategy 2016 -2019, is to support economic and social progress and help the country reach its full potential by:

- facilitating the development of communications and energy infrastructure and markets;

- leading the national transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient economy;

- protecting and improving our high-quality natural environment;

- ensuring the sustainable and productive use of our natural resources; and

- promoting the development of the public and private broadcasting sectors.

The Statement of Strategy is published on my Department’s website at the following link www.dccae.gov.ie/SiteCollectionDocuments/About-Us/Statement%20of%20Strategy%202016-2019.pdf.

The objectives set out in the Statement of Strategy across the various sectors for which the Department is responsible, together with the Programme for Government and EU obligations, guide and inform the departmental priorities for each year.  Priorities for 2017 include delivery of the National Broadband Plan, publishing the first National Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plans, publication of a National Clean Air Strategy and the introduction a new Renewable Heat Incentive and Renewable Electricity Support Scheme.

My Department is required to prepare an annual report on progress on its priorities. The most recent annual report for 2015 is also available on my Departments website at the following linkwww.dccae.gov.ie/news-and-media/Lists/Publications%20Documents/Annual%20Report%202015/DCENR%20Annual%20Report%202015.pdf.