Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in regard to the vital matter of energy security given the vital significance of this issue for this country and the urgent need to make provision for this matter in the near future. [21018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the meetings he has had with other Heads of State at EU level in recent times with particular reference to the urgent need to remove EU dependence on energy from Russia. [24499/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
I continue to engage with my counterparts on the Energy Council of the European Union, which has focussed on energy security since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. My Department also engages regularly with the EU via the Gas Coordination Group and Electricity Coordination Group. In addition, I participate in meetings of the International Energy Agency, who have agreed upon several co-ordinated release of strategic oil reserves.
The crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU's and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The European Commission’s RePowerEU Communication of 18 May 2022 sets out measures to end dependence on Russian energy including: saving energy, diversifying supplies away from Russia, substituting fossil fuels by accelerating Europe’s clean energy transition, removing financial and regulatory barriers to rolling out needed infrastructure, and ensuring Member States have contingency plans to deal with any disruption in supplies from Russia.
The National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability.
