Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2014
455. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland that are dedicated to policy advice on biomass matters. [46792/14]
View answer456. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the role the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will be taking in implementing the new bioenergy action plan. [46793/14]
View answer457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the industry sources, other than semi-State organisations, that have been consulted on the draft bioenergy action plan since publishing. [46794/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 455 to 457, inclusive, together.
I recently published a Draft Bioenergy Plan which is available on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.gov.ie). The draft Plan will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments, including public consultation and consultation with interested industry stakeholders, which will inform the content of the finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly.
As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources it is important that I understand the perspective of interested groups, companies and stakeholders. I meet very many interested parties in connection with issues across the energy agenda, including on bioenergy, in many different fora. Such interactions are a critical input to policy formation and development.
The draft plan recommends a number a policy and enabling actions and identifies the public bodies, including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which will be responsible for the implementation of these actions. Furthermore, reflecting the cross-sectoral nature of bioenergy, implementation of the actions arising from the draft Plan will be coordinated by a Bioenergy Steering Group which will be established shortly. The Bioenergy Steering Group will draw on the relevant government departments, agencies, including SEAI, and stakeholders as appropriate.
The assignment of staff within the SEAI to specific work areas is entirely a matter for the SEAI and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function.
