Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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122. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems; and if the review will examine the cost of a ban on the importation of fracked gas within the timeframe included in that review. [45137/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems.  The review is being carried out for the period to 2030 in the context of net zero emissions by 2050.  Consultants are currently conducting a technical analysis which will be published to help inform a public consultation.  The review will consider a range of options to ensure continued security of electricity and gas supply. There options will be considered in the context of the Programme for Government commitments.

I expect the review to complete in the first half of next year and I intend that the findings of the review will be submitted to Government.

As set out in the Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas, it is not possible to place a legal ban on the importation of fracked gas at this time. The policy statement commits the Government to work with like-minded European States to promote and support changes to European energy laws in order to allow the importation of fracked gas to be restricted.