Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015
845. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if consideration was given to the effects on employment and tourism when developing energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23739/15]
View answerThe overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. A new Energy Policy White Paper, which will set out Ireland’s energy policy up to 2030, will be published in October. A very significant public consultation process has just been concluded, the outputs from which will guide the finalisation of the policy options for inclusion in the White Paper. My officials also conducted bilateral engagements with other government departments on the synergies and challenges presented for other sectors, including employment and tourism, in the development of energy policy. In terms of driving economic opportunity, the energy policy vision to be set out in the White Paper will see industry, government and the research community continuing to play their parts in the creation of the skilled labour force that builds and manages the energy efficient and low carbon energy system. That vision is also of strong, innovative and competitive companies, investing and creating employment, while also developing low carbon and energy efficiency technologies, products and services needed by consumers.
