asked the Minister for Energy the discussions his Department have had for EC aid for solid fuel production.
Written Answers. - Solid Fuel Production.
9.
Discussions on the question of Community support for industries producing solid fuels have been continuing at the various energy working groups in Brussels on which my Department are represented and at Council level since 1982. Under revised Commission proposals presented to the Council in 1984 it was proposed to grant financial aid over a five year period, under two general headings: (1) the modernisation of hard coal production and (2) the production of lignite and peat.
Discussions in the Council on the Commission proposal have, however, revealed serious differences of opinion within the Council. A significant number of member states are reluctant to expend funds on Community production aids for solid fuels, particularly coal, when ample supplies from outside the EC area are cheaply available. These differences remain unresolved and adoption of the Commission proposal now seems unlikely.
Ireland has supported adoption of the Commission proposal on the grounds that a viable Community solid fuels policy which is suitably balanced between coal, lignite and peat has an essential role to play in contributing to the Community's energy objectives of fuel diversification, security of supply and a reduction in the dependence on imported oil.
At the most recent Energy Council held on 11 November 1985 the Commission stated that it is reconsidering its position on solid fuels. The Council will again deal with the question at its next meeting in early 1986 on the basis of any revised proposals which the Commission may submit to the Council. My Department will continue to keep in touch with the Commission in relation to the prospects for aid for solid fuel production in Ireland.