Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
787. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department's priorities for the remainder of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29581/15]
View answerThe Statement of Government Priorities 2014 to 2016 sets out clear and ambitious targets to build on the achievements of the last four years and to broaden and deepen the economic and social recovery and improve the living standards of our citizens. Energy and broadband connectivity are amongst the most strategic sectors of the Irish economy and are clearly reflected in the strategy for economic and social recovery set out in the Statement. My Department has published a new Statement of Strategy which sets out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies for my Department for the next three years. It includes: The development of an Energy White Paper, for publication in October 2015, which takes account, inter alia, of energy and climate change objectives and targets over the medium and long term, specific obligations to 2020 in relation to renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency, and the need to ensure security of supply and competitiveness in our energy system; Further development of the National Broadband Plan including the publication of an intervention strategy (published on 15 July) which aims to ensure that 85% of premises have high speed broadband in 2018 and 100% in 2020; Continued delivery of the National Digital Strategy which focuses on enterprise (assisting small and micro enterprises to trade online), citizens (ensuring that citizens and communities are empowered and motivated to use the internet) and education (enhancing teaching and learning through greater use of digital resources). Delivery of the National Broadband Plan and the National Digital Strategy will be closely aligned in order to optimise economic and social benefits for citizens, businesses and communities; Supporting a diverse and financially stable broadcasting sector; Overseeing the 2015 Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round; The introduction of Eircodes (launched on 13 July); A Public Sector Energy Efficiency Action Plan and a revised Affordable Energy Strategy, both of which it is intended to publish before the end of this year; and A legislative programme that will include new Broadcasting, Minerals, Energy and Fisheries legislation, as well as legislation to amend our Oil and Gas Fiscal Terms.
My Department's Statement of Strategy is available on the Department's website at www.dcenr.gov.ie.
