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Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte TD, today welcomed the publication of the International Energy Agency’s

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.

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.

The Review is generally positive on regulatory and market changes in recent years, including deregulation and enhanced competition while underlining the need to enhance the powers of the Commission for Energy Regulation as necessary. It advocates that the competitive landscape be kept under review; that the 3^rd Package be complied with; that the challenges of market integration be met; that network expenditure is cost-effective and efficient and that there be a strong focus on delivering energy infrastructure. Emphasis is placed thoughout the Review on the importance of balancing public and strategic interest with social acceptance and understanding, and consumer protection.

There is mutual agreement between the Minister and the IEA that the focus should now be on building further on the positive progress already made in Ireland’s energy policy in order to improve energy security, create new jobs, increase energy efficiency and assist in moving Ireland towards becoming a low-carbon economy.

Available from this link -

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2012/Minister+Rabbitte+hosts+launch+of+IEA+Ireland+country+report.htmare downloads of elements of the report – Executive Summary and Recommendations.