I apologise for arriving late. I did not hear the ambassador’s presentation but have looked at the notes. I congratulate the Slovenian Presidency on highlighting energy issues and climate change as being among the priorities for its Presidency. The publication by the Commission of the draft proposals for emissions reductions is certainly something at which Ireland is looking closely. The targets for reductions are often seen in a negative light and give rise to concerns about competitiveness, among other matters. 

The link made between climate change and energy production is a good one because one of the ways we can meet our emissions reduction and energy targets is by beginning to develop the renewable energy sector within each of the member states.  Ireland has rich renewable energy resources which we have not exploited to their full potential to date.  The need for greater emphasis on the positive ways by which we can meet our emissions reduction targets through the development of a renewable energy sector and the creation of employment and economic opportunities is something the Slovenian Presidency has highlighted.  I congratulate the ambassador on linking the two together and hope the Presidency will be able to get that message across to all member states. 

Filed under:
Joint Committee on European Affairs by Deirdre