Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
119. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will detail all engagements and discussions that he has held in relation to Ireland’s participation in an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), Hy2Tech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40801/22]
View answerThe Government has committed to prioritising the development of a hydrogen strategy in the national energy security framework. This framework was developed to address the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. As an essential part of the work of preparing the hydrogen strategy, I recently launched a consultation seeking the views of stakeholders and interested parties to inform the development of the strategy. A comprehensive consultation paper has been developed setting out various areas of interest to be considered in the development of the hydrogen strategy and inviting stakeholders' views on an extensive range of specific questions to be answered in this regard. It is anticipated that the submissions received will be extensive, given the high degree of public interest in this topic and its importance both for Ireland's future energy security and its high export potential.
I, as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, have no function in regard to matters concerning State Aid measures towards research and innovation and industrial development, which are matters falling within the competence of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. Neither I, nor my Department, have had any involvement with the EU IPCEI Hy2Tech initiative.
