Ivan Yates
Question:103 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will establish the National Energy Trust. [18548/97]
Written Answers. - National Energy Trust.
Since 1994, the Energy Advisory Board has been in existence to advise me on matters of policy relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy and related research.
In addition, the Irish Energy Centre, which is a joint initiative of my Department and Forbairt, has been in existence since 1995. Among the functions of the Irish Energy Centre is the promotion of the efficient use of energy and the development of renewable sources of energy. Funding for these measures comes largely from the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme 1994-9.
Given the existence of these two bodies, the establishment of a national energy trust has not been selected as a key priority by the Government in An Action Programme for the Millennium.
However, my Department and the Energy Advisory Board are considering the options for an energy efficiency programme in the post-1999 era, with a view to determining the most appropriate structure, content and funding for such a programme.