Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte TD, has welcomed the publication of the International Energy Agency’s 2012 Review of Ireland’s Energy Policies.

Minister Rabbitte stated: “The key recommendations of the IEA Review affirm Government policy for energy and underlines our consistent message as to the importance of delivering critical energy infrastructure.”

The Review, which takes place every five years, is a comprehensive and timely review of energy policy direction and will inform the upcoming new Energy Policy Framework. It is the culmination of 9 months work by the IEA following its weeklong mission to Ireland in 2011.

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The key recommendations made by the IEA in its Review for each sectoral policy area are supportive of Ireland’s policy directions for both energy and climate change. The Review is also supportive of overall policy actions on oil security of supply, as well as welcoming the progress made in the areas of energy R&D and Ireland’s work as a world leader for development of smart grid technology.

The Minister welcomed the positive messages in the IEA Review on energy efficiency and noted the strong message to ensure that regional market integration is to the benefit of Irish consumers and delivers investment certainty. He said, “In keeping with my continuing strong focus on the renewables sector, I am satisfied that the Review is supportive of the development of renewable energy potential while underlining the challenges to meeting the 2020 targets. I welcome in particular the IEA’s endorsement of progress made to date including market reform, competition, energy research and the Government’s energy efficiency strategy.”

Minister Rabbitte confirmed that the chapters on gas and electricity in the IEA Review would prove particularly useful in planning for the future.

(GK)