asked the Minister for Energy the progress made towards the development of an EC energy policy; and the implications of such a policy for Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Energy Policy.
1.
I propose to pass to Deputy Taylor copies of two documents, one on Community Energy Objectives to 1990, the other on New Community Energy Objectives for the year 1995, which set out the Community's strategy in this area.
During the Irish Presidency, at an Energy Council meeting on 13 November 1984, Ministers took stock of the progress which had been made by the Community towards reducing dependence on imported oil and achieving the 1990 objectives. The Council recognised the need for progress to be sustained despite the current relaxed energy market situation, given the major uncertainties about the long-term outlook for supply and demand. It also became clear during discussions that the existing 1990 objective were losing their relevance. As a result the Commission brought forward in June of this year a new proposal for objectives and guidelines to the year 1995 which are at present being discussed in preparatory meetings of the Council.
At an Energy Council meeting in Luxembourg last June, Ministers discussed this document briefly. Ireland believes that it is correct to use 1995 as the new target date and to establish both horizontal and sectoral objectives. The implications of these policy proposals do not present much difficulty for Ireland because they are flexible enough and allow variations between member states and are, in general, in accord with the way in which we would like to see energy policy evolving.
This matter has been placed on the agenda for discussion at the Energy Council to be held in Brussels on 11 November 1985.
Is the thrust of the policy being developed by the EC on energy directed to a major extent towards solid fuels? If so, which particular solid fuels and what would be the pollution implications for this country, having regard to the fact that solid fuels are already causing serious pollution problems, especially in the Dublin area? Recent reports of Dublin Corporation show that EC limits in this regard have been seriously breached and that we already have a very serious pollution problem in the Dublin area.
The main energy policy objectives considered before the Commission were defined in 1980. Five main guidelines for the Community were laid down to 1990: first, reducing to 0.7, that is the average ratio between the rate of growth and gross primary energy demand and the rate of growth for gross domestic product; secondly, reducing oil consumption to a level of about 40 per cent of primary energy consumption; thirdly, covering 70 to 75 per cent of primary energy requirements for electricity production by means of solid fuels and nuclear energy; increasing the use of renewable energy sources so as to increase their contribution to the Community's energy supplies; and the pursuit of energy pricing policies geared to attain the Community energy objectives.
We have been trying to get a favourable hearing from the Commission in relation to the further development of peat and there is also concern for the development and exploitation of lignite. In conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, there is close monitoring of our pollution problems. I would like to feel that energy policy will at all times take cognisance of difficulties in that area.
What is the position as far as nuclear energy is concerned? What is the position on this matter in the Council? Are there pressures on member states to provide nuclear energy and are we involved in any way?
At present there certainly is not any pressure on member states and the Irish position in relation to nuclear energy has been made quite clear. There is no pressure in that area.
Since the Minister has mentioned that solid fuel is one of the areas for development envisaged up to 1990, would he consider that there is any possibility that the EC Commission would take into account the extremely bad turf season we have had and come in aid of private turf producers?
There is another question on that matter.