asked the Minister for Energy the cost to the Exchequer in terms of the impact upon the balance of payments of the importation of coal in 1985-86 and the projected figure for 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Coal Importation.
105.
According to the Central Statistics Office the value of coal imports into Ireland in 1985 was £141 million, in 1986 it was £155 million while in 1987 the cost was £148 million.
Because of our limited native energy resources, Ireland has a significant dependence on imported fuel. Coal has an important role to play as part of our energy policy in providing increased security of energy supplies by the diversification of oil imports. For example, from 1979 to 1985 Ireland's oil requirements decreased by 37 per cent. Coal had a major part to play in displacing the level of oil imports.