Vol. 505 No. 6
89 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has for the future funding and development of the Irish Energy Centre, whose initial work programme will shortly be completed; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns felt by staff regarding the uncertainty for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14228/99]
The Irish Energy Centre is coming to the end of its initial work programme under the economic infrastructure operational programme and I am aware of the understandable concerns felt by staff regarding the future role of the centre.
My Department is at present finalising a Green Paper on sustainable energy which will outline the strategy for energy efficiency post 1999. I envisage a role for an independent statutory agency to promote, support and advise on energy conservation and to spearhead programmes and measures in this sector. In my view, a strong agency of this nature will be essential to enable Ireland to implement commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. The future role and funding of the Irish Energy Centre will be addressed in the Green Paper. The question of whether funding will come from the next round of Structural Funds will depend on the overall allocation of Structural Funds to Ireland.
The Department is currently preparing a draft scheme of a Bill to establish the Irish Energy Centre on an independent statutory basis and this will take account of the proposals in the Green Paper.
