Michael Healy-Rae
Question:57. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44268/23]
View answerWednesday, 11 October 2023
Questions (57)
Written answers
The Department is currently finalising the Energy Security Package which will address the energy security challenges facing Ireland in the broader context of transitioning Ireland to net-zero by 2050. Six key pillars of analysis underpin the overall response and recommendations which will be presented in the forthcoming Energy Security Package:
• The Review of the Energy Security of Ireland’s Electricity and Gas networks, the studies by Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA) to support this and the 450+ consultation responses to this analysis
• The Independent Review of the Security of Electricity Supply (the McCarthy Report).
• The conclusion of National Energy Security Framework (NESF)
• The Government hosted Summit on Energy Independence in July 2023
• The Climate Action Plan (CAP)
• Ongoing policy analysis on oil security of supply
I engaged Mr. Dermot McCarthy, former Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach and to the Government, to conduct the independent review into the circumstances requiring emergency measures to be introduced to secure electricity supply over the coming winters. On receipt and consideration of the independent review by Mr Dermot McCarthy, I decided that, given the Department is developing further energy security analysis, it would be better to publish the McCarthy report as a pillar for the overall Energy Security Package.
I continue to engage with my Department officials to finalise the Package and I have committed to bring my energy security recommendations to Government for consideration in the coming weeks.