Ireland was represented at the recent heads of state informal Council at Hampton Court London by the Taoiseach. I understand that the issue of energy formed part of a wide ranging discussion on the challenges and opportunities posed by globalisation and changing demographics in the EU.
While the British Prime Minister raised the desirability of formulating a common energy policy within the European Union, no formal proposal as yet exists in this respect. I understand that the European Commission is considering bringing forward a Green Paper on this subject sometime during 2006 in which all options will be considered. This is expected to lead to a communication setting out a comprehensive approach to energy policy by the end of next year.