I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 35 together.
According to the Central Statistics Office approximately 9.35 mtoe – millions of tonnes of oil equivalent – were imported into Ireland in 1999. The value of these imports amounted to £893 million.
In regard to renewable sources of energy, Ireland is endowed with a considerable resource and my aim is to create the circumstances that will facilitate the commercial exploitation of these resources so that they make a valuable contribution to meeting Ireland's electricity needs.
In September 1999, I set an increased target of 500 megawatts of renewable energy based electricity generating plant to be delivered by 2005. The target will double the contribution of renewable energy to electricity generated from 6% to 12% and the total avoided CO2 emissions will be in the order of 2.4 million tonnes, making a significant contribution towards meeting our greenhouse gas emissions limit.
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, has overall responsibility for the implementation of policies to limit our greenhouse gas emissions. I understand the Minister will publish his strategy shortly.