asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has received any suggestions to establish a technologically competent centre for evaluating energy options, independent of the ESB; if he has made any decision on them; and, if not, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Options.
7.
I am aware that suggestions on the lines mentioned in the question were contained in a memorandum prepared under the auspices of a group known as "Conserve".
Technological advice on energy matters is already available to me from a number of sources. In the nuclear sphere, the Nuclear Energy Board have been established under statute as an independent expert body to provide advice to me and to the Government on all aspects of nuclear energy. There are in addition a number of existing agencies with the necessary scientific and economic skills to undertake the investigation of possible new sources of energy, the development of more efficient methods of energy conversion and utilisation and the evaluation of different energy options.
I do not consider in the circumstances that there is a need at present for the setting up of any new institutions.