Vol. 397 No. 6
72 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Energy if he has any plans to promote, encourage or sponsor studies into alternative Irish energy sources by Irish third level educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department actively promotes and encourages studies into alternative energy sources by Irish third level colleges in its sponsorship in the EC of projects by Irish applicants.
Out of a total investment of £1.26 million made in 1988 in the area of alternative forms of energy, £749,000 represented expenditures for projects mainly being undertaken within third level colleges under EC funded programmes.
Because of our limited financial resources no Exchequer funding in this area is currently available. It is my Department's policy, however, to monitor closely developments from such research at home and abroad relating to alternative forms of energy. I would welcome the introduction in Ireland of any proven technologies in this field provided this could be done on a commercial basis.
