I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 153 on 9 December 2004.
As Minister with responsibility for energy matters, including the development of our indigenous renewable energy resources, my remit is to create a positive framework whereby these resources can prosper and contribute significantly to our energy needs. A renewable energy development group was established in May 2004 to review existing policies and examine best international practice. The group will shortly make such recommendations as it deems necessary to deliver, at minimum, the target addressed to Ireland in Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market.
The group will also incorporate the work of the bioenergy strategy group and the combined heat and power policy group to ensure that a co-ordinated comprehensive renewable energy policy is proposed. The renewable energy development group's report is due very shortly and will form the basis of future policy decisions on the promotion of renewable energy technologies.
