Phil Hogan
Ceist:213 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Energy if he will implement Directive 75/404 that was agreed in 1990 and which will allow for the greater use of gas in electricity plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Directive on Use of Gas.
I assume that the Deputy is, in fact, referring to Council Directive 75/404 of 13 February 1975 which imposed restrictions on the use of natural gas in power stations. This did not impact on us, however, because the EC accepted that Ireland had special reasons for continuing to use gas for electricity generation. The directive was revoked in 1991 by Councill Directive 91/148. The latter directive required no special provisions to be implemented.