JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT, CULTURE AND THE GAELTACHT debate -
Tuesday, 24 Apr 2012

Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals

Vice Chairman

We are now in public session to consider the scrutiny of EU legislative proposals. COM (2011) 931 relates to a Council decision on the adoption of a supplementary research programme for the ITR project 2014-2018. The lead Department is the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Other Departments involved are the Departments of Finance and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

It is proposed that a letter be sent to the Secretary General of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government asking to be kept informed of all development regarding the proposal, specifically the response to Ireland's position not to remove ITR funding from the multiannual financial framework, MFF. It is also proposed that a copy of this letter is sent to the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Deputy Catherine Murphy

We seem to be concerned only about the funding component of COM (2011) 931. I know this project is an experiment, but experiments are done to see if there is a value in taking the project a stage further. I understand our position is that nuclear power is not an option for consideration. I would have thought the committee would consider whether it would agree in principle with this type of energy source before making a contribution to its development

Deputy Kevin Humphreys

Silence is okay.

Vice Chairman

We can seek the Department's views on the proposals and provide the members with further clarification.

Deputy Patrick O’Donovan

I understand we are in the process of building an interconnector from Ireland to the United Kingdom and on to the Continent. Once electricity is put on the grid, one does not know whether it originated from a nuclear power station or a hydroelectric plant. We must build an interconnector because we are reliant on mainland Europe for many things, including energy. We may as well not go ahead with the interconnector if we were to bring that argument to its logical conclusion. The bulk of power in member states is coming from nuclear reactors.

Deputy Catherine Murphy

Essentially, the point the Deputy is making is we are in favour of nuclear power as long as it is located somewhere else.

Vice Chairman

We are not entering into a discussion on policy. We are seeking clarification on the Department's view of this proposal and its effects.

Deputy Patrick O’Donovan

An Irish solution to an Irish problem.

Vice Chairman

Is that agreed?

Deputy Catherine Murphy

Yes, the Vice Chairman can get the information.

Vice Chairman

Agreed. Proposal COM (2012) 43 relates to the Council decision on the position to be taken by the European Union in the EA joint committee concerning an amendment to annexe 13 - transport. The lead Department is the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. It is proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Sitting suspended at 2.43 p.m. and resumed at 2.44 p.m.