Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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278. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20124/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The war in Ukraine has impacted Europe’s energy system. In particular, the invasion has triggered a decision by the European Union to phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible. It will also impact where and how we source that energy and will change how we design energy policy to ensure the system’s long-term resilience.The National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability.

The development of this Framework has taken account of the need to decarbonise our society and economy as set out in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Ireland’s targets to reduce emissions by 51% over the decade to 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 as set out in the Climate Action Plan. The Framework sets out the Government’s action in response to these issues across key themes:-managing the impact on consumers and businesses;

-ensuring security of energy supply in the near-term;

-reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Regarding the exploration of gas offshore, it would not be appropriate for me to engage directly with companies who have submitted applications related to their petroleum authorisations while such applications are under consideration by my Department.