Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
349. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the new national energy policy will be implemented; if he will look at a variety of energy supplies such as biomass, geothermal and hydro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16792/14]
View answer350. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects progress on his review of national energy policy; if public consultation will form part of that process; when that might be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16809/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.
The energy policy landscape has undergone considerable change since the Energy Policy White Paper was published in 2007. Having regard to this, my Department is currently preparing an Energy Policy Green Paper identifying issues that need to be considered in the development of Ireland’s energy policy to meet current and future challenges. Competitiveness, security of supply, and sustainability, as well as energy policy’s potential to support economic growth and job creation, will be the key objectives of the Green Paper which I expect to publish in the coming weeks.
The purpose of the Green Paper will be to stimulate debate on these key energy policy objectives and how they may be achieved. There will be a full public consultation process during which interested parties will be invited to submit their views, observations and suggestions on the shape of Ireland’s future energy policy which includes the question of securing a balanced and secure energy mix from a variety of sources. On completion of the public consultation process, all submissions received will be considered and policy options developed with a view to the publication of a new Energy Policy Framework in the form of a White Paper. The public consultation process will contribute significantly to the development of the White Paper which I expect to publish by the end of the year.
