Michael Finucane
Ceist:6 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline his policy in regard to the provision of assistance for wind generation projects under the Valoren programme; if there has been a review of the Irish Valoren programme to date by or on behalf of the European Commission; if so, the results of this review; if he has received an application for such assistance from two firms (details supplied) in response to an invitation for tenders last October; if so, when these application were received; if planning permission has been obtained for the developments in question; whether time has been allowed after approval of one or other, or both of these projects for an environmental impact assessment to be done; if any committee is being set up to consider applications of this kind; whether any deadline exists under the terms of the Valoren programme for the commencement of the projects; whether any delay by him in considering these applicants could prejudice the success of the project in question; if terms exist for the sale of any energy generated by the project to the electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.