Ceist:
21 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, there has been in implementing the contracts awarded under AER II; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14937/97]
Other Questions. - AER II Contracts.
The AER II competition was launched in December 1995 with the aim of securing an electricity generating plant of between ten and 30 megawatts using various forms of biomass or waste as a fuel. In order to ensure the fairness, impartiality and objectivity of the competition process, independent consultants, ETSU, were appointed to conduct the competition, assess the technical and commercial bids and recommend a winner.
Having accepted the recommendation of ETSU, the winning consortium of Foster Wheeler Power Systems Incorporated and ESB Power Generation was announced in February 1997. Shortly afterwards, the application for grant aid of 9.3 million ECUs under the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme and the required socio-economic cost benefit analysis were submitted for approval to DGXVI of the European Commission — the directorate general for regional policy and cohesion. The Commission has raised a number of issues in relation to waste management in Dublin and on the economics of the project. My Department is currently preparing a response to DGXVI regarding the matters raised.
Does the Minister support this and other such projects, which I strongly support?
Yes and I know the Deputy vigorously supports them. Such projects are the way forward and the Government has a commitment to support policy in this area.