Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013
394. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the mission of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to provide informed advice to him is undermined by the fact that a non-executive director of a company (details supplied) is setting up a wind energy project in the midland; if a conflict of interest arises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30303/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January of this year I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with my UK counterpart, Mr. Edward Davey M.P., to explore the potential for export wind based renewable energy from Ireland to the UK. Intensive discussions are being progressed by my Department and its UK counterpart on this matter. Whilst the signing of the MOU indicates a strong statement of intent on the part of both Governments, considerable work remains to be done to put the necessary comprehensive framework in place. This would be necessary in advance of any specific project being implemented and any such project will be subject to all appropriate statutory consents. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has no statutory responsibility in this regard and also has no regulatory role in the area.
In addition, the appointments of the Chair and Directors to the Board of SEAI are made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002. The Board acts in accordance with the revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies published by the Department of Finance in 2009, and all Board members are required to make Statements of Interests under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001.
