Mary Flaherty
Ceist:32 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Energy if he will ensure that a major energy conservation programme is included in the Government's application for the next tranche of Structural Funds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Conservation Programme.
I can assure the Deputy that appropriate eligible energy conservation measures will be considered for inclusion in Ireland's application for Structural Funds aid for the period after the expiry of the current Community Support Framework in December 1993. A decision on this matter will of course have to take account of many factors, in particular the level of resources available; the general arrangements governing the provision of Structural Fund aid in the post-1993 period, including the requirement of matching funds and other competing demands for the funds. These issues have not yet been discussed in any detail at Community level.
I welcome the Minister's willingness to take on the proposal. He will have the support of this side of the House in moving conservation up a notch or two in relation to the Structural Fund allocation. May I ask him what work is being done by his Department and by the Government generally to prepare a substantial programme which would be put before the European Community in this context?
Energy conservation is given the highest possible priority by the Government and it is largely the responsibility of my Department to develop proposals in this matter to advance the efficient use of fuels and to achieve conservation which could result in enormous savings for the economy. Work is ongoing within the Department. There would not be any great difficulty in preparing a document for presentation to the European Community should the need arise, because extensive research has been carried out and the findings would be available in preparing such a submission.
A brief question, Deputy Flaherty.
I am a little disappointed with the Minister's reply. I asked him if any specific work is being done to prepare an application for such funds; and if so, if he would indicate to me the nature of the work or, if no such work is being done, if he would give an undertaking to get in touch with Eolas who are very interested in this matter to ensure that a specific application is prepared?
I have already informed the Deputy in my initial reply that this issue has not yet been discussed at Community level. It would be premature therefore to start preparing documentation in relation to an issue which has not yet been put on the agenda. There would be no difficulty in submitting such a proposal in the event of funds becoming available in the post-1993 period.