Research Fund.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Questions (16)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

16 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will investigate the need to set up and fund a research and development task force from within the existing third level institutions to investigate the way in which the implementation of leading edge renewable energy solutions and energy conservation can enable Ireland to properly manage the transition to a sustainable, lower energy usage society following the inevitable peak in oil production over the next two to ten years, the huge price rises, the fuel shortages, the related economic meltdown and possible civil unrest that will follow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5225/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I do not have plans to investigate the need to set up and fund a research and development task force along the lines suggested by the Deputy. The policy issues associated with renewable energy and energy conservation are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. A dedicated agency, Sustainable Energy Ireland, has been established under the aegis of his Department in May 2002 for the purpose of addressing these issues.