TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS
An Comhchoiste um Athrú Aeráide agus Áirithiú Fuinnimh
TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2010
Eanáir 2011
_______________
HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS
Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
January 2011
PRN: A11/0077
Table of Contents
Page
1.
Content and Format of Report
1
2.
Functions and Powers
1
3.
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Convenors and Membership
1
4.
Meetings, Attendance and Recording
1
5.
Number and Duration of Meetings
2
6.
Work of the Committee
2
6.1
Work in progress
3
7.
Groups and Individuals attending before Committee
3
8.
Joint Committee Reports
4
9.
Travel
4
10.
Consideration of Functions and Powers
5
APPENDIX 1 - Orders of Reference
6
APPENDIX 2 - Members of the Joint Committee
8
APPENDIX 3 - Meetings of the Joint Committee
9
APPENDIX 4 - Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
1.
Content and Format of Report
This Report covers the period from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010.
This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 84(3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil
Éireann) and Standing Order 69(3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide
for the Joint Committee to—

undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally

prepare an annual work programme

lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses

make an annual report to both Houses.
At its meeting on the 19th January, 2011, the Joint Committee agreed that all these
items should be included in this report.
2.
Functions and Powers
The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 14th
November 2007 and was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann,
established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 14 November, 2008, to form the Joint
Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security.
The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.
3.
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership
Deputy Seán Barrett was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 14
November 2007. Deputy Dara Calleary was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint
Committee on 14 November 2007.
By order of the Dáil on 10 July 2009, Deputy Dara Calleary was replaced on the
Committee by Deputy Mary Wallace. Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick was elected as
Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 15 July 2009.
By order of the Dáil on 7 July 2010, Deputy Seán Barret was replaced on the
Committee by Deputy Dinny McGinley. Deputy Dinny McGinley was elected as
Chairman of the Joint Committee on 8 July 2010.
No convenors have been appointed for this Committee.
The Members of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 2.
4.
Meetings, Attendance and Recording
Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster
House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.
Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee was broadcast live within the
Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by
RTÉ, TV3 and TG4. Meetings of the Committee were also webcast for live
worldwide viewing on the internet.
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Joint
Committee is published and may be purchased from the Government Publications
Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Official Reports
may also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie
Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee may be obtained from the
Clerk, Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, Kildare House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The published reports may also be viewed on the Houses of
the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie. A list of these reports is set out at
Section 8.
5.
Number and Duration of Meetings
The Joint Committee met on 21 occasions in the year under report.
The number of hours’ discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 31
hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 6 below
and at Appendix 3.
Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meetings in public session are
attached at Appendix 4.
6.
Work of the Joint Committee
The terms of reference of the Joint Committee require it to review specific major
areas of policy which involve, inter alia, policies in the areas of agriculture, including
agricultural emissions, land use, forestry and the potential of renewable energy crop
production, energy supply and energy security, energy efficiency and retrofitting of
existing buildings, business, transport, the environment and the effect of climate
change on the developing world. Over the period under report, the following issues
were discussed with various stakeholders and the content of those discussions
informed the reports produced by the Committee:20 January
3 February
3 March
24 March
28 April
12 May
26 May
The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference;
The Carbon Budget;
Sustainable Energy Ireland’s 2009 Energy Reports;
Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings;
Energy Policy;
Recommendations regarding meeting Ireland’s electricity needs
post -2020;
Legislation regarding offshore renewable energy projects;
Development of electricity grid infrastructure;
The “Green New Deal” - recommendations on green skills and
training, infrastructure, banking and procurement and resource
efficiency;
GHG emissions from agriculture, forestry and climate change,
biofuel production and other issues;
The National Renewable Energy Action Plan;
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
9 June
23 June
7 July
8 July
8 July
15 September
29 September
13 October
27 October
10 November
24 November
1 December
6.1
Low Carbon Generation Options for the Island of Ireland (the
Pöyry Report);
The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (continued);
EPA Report “Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Projections 2010 – 2020”;
Irish and U.S Energy Related Policy;
Election of new Chairman;
Eirgrid’s report “Facilitation of Renewables”
Energy Regulation, including the SEM, the PSO, offshore wind
development
Visions for the application of IT in the area of sustainable and
renewable energy and energy efficiency;
Visions for the application of IT in the area of sustainable and
renewable energy and energy efficiency (continued);
Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration;
Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration (continued);
Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration (continued);
Work in progress
The National Renewable Energy Action Plan
The Committee prepared an initial response to the draft National Renewable Energy
Action Plan in June 2010 and agreed that a more in-depth report would be prepared
during the year. It is anticipated that the report will be published in January 2011.
Biogas Energy in Ireland
A report on the development of biogas in Ireland is being finalised and is expected to
be published in early 2011.
Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration.
The Committee has undertaken an in depth review of this topic, and is hearing from a
number of stakeholders. A report on the issue will be prepared when evidence
gathering is completed. It is anticipated that the report will be finalised and published
in early 2011.
7.
Groups and Individuals attending before the Committee
In the years under report, the Joint Committee met with the following organisations,
groups and individuals:






Mr Eamonn Ryan T.D, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources;
Ms Brendan Smith T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;
Officials from the Department for Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources;
Sustainable Energy Ireland;
Irish Academy of Engineering;
Energy Needs Ireland;
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY



















8.
Spirit of Ireland;
Comhar Sustainable Energy Council;
Eirgrid;
Pöyry;
Environmental Protection Agency;
Ms. Kristina Johnson, US Under-Secretary for Energy;
Commission for Energy Regulation;
Siemens;
IBM;
Coillte;
None So Hardy Forestry;
Greenbelt;
Imperative Energy;
Glennon Brothers;
Magner Communications;
Irish Timber Growers Association;
IFA Farm Forestry;
Bank of Ireland;
EcoSecurities Group.
Joint Committee Reports
During 2010 (the year under report), the Joint Committee published the following
reports:
9.

Report by two Oireachtas Committees on the European Commission’s Green
Paper on Protecting Europe’s Forests against Climate Change (July 2010)

Second Report on Climate Change Law (October 2010)
Travel
The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of
Reference in connection with its work programme:
1
2
Purpose of travel:
To attend a Joint Parliamentary Meeting on a European
Energy Community for the 21st century
Date/ Destination:
7 and 8 June 2010 / Brussels
Members travelling:
Deputies Seán Barrett, Simon Coveney and Andrew Doyle
Purpose of travel:
To attend a conference on a Renewable Energy Supergrid
Date/ Destination:
18 and 19 June 2010 / Seville
Members travelling:
Deputy Liz McManus
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
10.
Consideration of Functions and Powers
The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its procedures and role.
Chairman
January 2011
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
APPENDIX 1
Orders of Reference
On 14 November 2007 the Dáil ordered:
That a Select Committee, consisting of thirteen members of Dáil Éireann, be
joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the
Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security to consider, inter alia:
- medium and long term climate change targets and the key measures needed to
meet those targets;
- the role of the Agriculture sector in providing bio-fuel and biomass crops and
consequential implications;
- the levels of power supply which can be generated from renewables or other
new power supplies;
- the projected energy demand from transport and the implications for energy
security and emissions targets;
- such other matters as may be referred to it from time to time by both Houses
of the Oireachtas
and to report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas in advance of the
conclusion of the post-Kyoto negotiations by the United Nations Framework
Committee on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the associated EU 2020 burden
sharing process.
(2) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Orders 83(1)
to (9) inclusive.
(3) The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall
be a Member of Dáil Éireann and one a Member of Seanad Éireann.”
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
On 14 November 2007 the Seanad ordered:
That a Select Committee, consisting of four members of Seanad Éireann, be
joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Dáil Éireann to form the
Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security to consider, inter alia:
- medium and long term climate change targets and the key measures needed to
meet those targets;
- the role of the Agriculture sector in providing bio-fuel and biomass crops and
consequential implications;
- the levels of power supply which can be generated from renewables or other
new power supplies;
- the projected energy demand from transport and the implications for energy
security and emissions targets;
- such other matters as may be referred to it from time to time by both Houses
of the Oireachtas
and to report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas in advance of the
conclusion of the post-Kyoto negotiations by the United Nations Framework
Committee on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the associated EU 2020 burden
sharing process.
(2) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Orders 70(1)
to (9) inclusive.
(3) The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall
be a Member of Dáil Éireann and one a Member of Seanad Éireann.”
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
APPENDIX 2
Members of the Joint Committee
Chairman:
Dinny McGinley TD (FG)
Deputies:
Bobby Aylward TD (FF)
Joe Behan TD (IND)
Simon Coveney TD (FG)
Seymour Crawford TD (FG)
Martin Ferris TD (SF)
Michael Fitzpatrick TD (FF) (Vice-Chairman)
Seán Fleming TD (FF)
Phil Hogan TD (FG)
Finian McGrath TD (IND)
Liz McManus (LAB)
Trevor Sargent (GP)
Mary Wallace (FF)
Senators:
Paudie Coffey (FG)
Fiona O’Malley (PD)
Ned O’Sullivan (FF)
Joe O’Toole (IND)
Notes:
1. Deputy Dara Calleary was discharged from the Committee and Deputy Mary Wallace was appointed to
the Committee in substitution for him, by order of the Dáil on 10 July 2009.
2.
Deputy Ciarán Cuffe was discharged from the Committee and Deputy Trevor Sargent was appointed to
the Committee in substitution for him, by order of the Dáil on 27 May 2010.
3.
Deputy Seán Barrett was discharged from the Committee and Deputy Dinny McGinley was appointed
to the Committee in substitution for him, by order of the Dáil on 8 July 2010. Deputy McGinley was
elected as Chairman of the Committee on the same day.
4.
Deputies Simon Coveney and Andrew Doyle were discharged from the Committee Deputies Leo
Varadkar and Seymour Crawford were appointed in substitution for them, by order of the Dáil on 13
October 2010.
5.
Deputy Leo Varadkar was discharged from the Committee and Deputy Simon Coveney was appointed
to the Committee in substitution for him, by order of the Dáil on 11 November 2010.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
APPENDIX 3
Meetings of the Joint Committee
MEETING
DATE
SUBJECT
NO
J48
20/01/2010 The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference
and The Carbon Budget.
J49
03/02/2010 2009 Energy Reports. (Prof. J. Owen Lewis and Dr. Brian
Motherway, Sustainable Energy Ireland)
J50
17/02/2010 Private Meeting.
J51
J52
J53
J54
J55
J56
J57
J58
J59
J60
J61
03/03/2010 (i) Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings
(ii) Energy Policy. (Mr. Kieran O’Brien, Head of the Standing
Committee on Energy, Irish Academy of Engineering; Ms.
Muireann Lynch, Mr Eamon Keane, Mr John Kirby, Energy
Needs Ireland; Mr. Graham O’Donnell, Project Leader,
Professor Igor Schvets, Spirit of Ireland)
24/03/2010 Recommendations arising from Report on “Meeting Ireland’s
Electricity Needs post -2020, legislation regarding offshore
renewable energy projects and development of grid
infrastructure. (Mr. Eamonn Ryan T.D, Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.)
21/04/2010 Private Meeting.
28/04/2010 The “Green New Deal”. Recommendations on green skills,
training, infrastructure, banking, procurement and resource
efficiency. (Professor Frank J. Convery, Chairperson,
Comhar Sustainable Energy Council)
12/05/2010 GHG emissions from agriculture, forestry and climate change,
biofuel production and other issues. (Mr. Brendan Smith T.D.,
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food)
26/05/2010 National Renewable Energy Action Plan. (Mr. Martin
Finucane, Principal Officer, Mr. Richard Brown, Ms. Una
Dixon, Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources)
09/06/2010 Pöyry Report. (Ms. Bernie Gray, Chairperson, Mr. Dermot
Byrne, Chief Executive Eirgrid; Mr. Phil Hare, Managing
Director, Poyry)
23/06/2010 Committee response to draft National Renewable Energy
Action Plan.
07/07/2010 EPA Report “Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Projections 2010 –
2020”. (Ms. Laura Burke, Director, Dr. Ken Macken,
Programme Manager, Dr. Eimear Cotter, Senior Scientific
Officer, Environmental Protection Agency)
08/07/2010 Energy Related Policy. (Ms. Kristina Johnson, US UnderSecretary for Energy)
08/07/2010 Election of Chairman.
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
J62
15/09/2010 Eirgrid’s report “Facilitation of Renewables” (Mr. Dermot
Byrne, Chief Executive, Eirgrid)
J63
29/09/2010 Energy Regulation, including the SEM, the PSO, offshore
wind development (Mr. Michael Tutty, Commissioner,
Commission for Energy Regulation)
J64
13/10/2010 Visions for the application of IT in the area of sustainable and
renewable energy and energy efficiency (Siemens, IBM and
the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)
J65
27/10/2010 Visions for the application of IT in the area of sustainable and
renewable energy and energy efficiency (Dr. Lisa Amini,
IBM)
J66
10/11/2010 Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration (Mr.
Ciarán Black, Coillte)
J67
24/11/2010 Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration (Mr.
John McCarthy, NoneSoHardy Nurseries; Mr. Brendan Lacy,
Irish Timber Growers Association; Mr. Pat Hennessy,
Chairman, IFA Farm Forestry Group)
J68
01/12/2010 Sustainable forestry and forest carbon sequestration (Mr.
Paul Harris, Head of Natural Resources Risk Management,
Global Markets, Bank of Ireland; Mr. Tony Lyttle,
EcoSecurities Group)
J69
15/12/2010 Meeting Cancelled
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
APPENDIX 4
Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY, 2010
1. The Joint Committee met at 2.35 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private
session, a quorum being present.
2. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies: Seán Barrett (in the chair), Simon Coveney, Ciaran Cuffe, Andrew Doyle,
Michael Fitzpatrick and Liz McManus;
Senators: Paudie Coffey.
Apologies were received from Deputy Mary Wallace.
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
PUBLIC SESSION
The Committee agreed to go into public session.
7. COPENHAGEN CONFERENCE AND CARBON BUDGET
There followed a debate on the outcome of the Copenhagen conference and the Carbon
Budget.
It was agreed to invite the Minster for Transport and the Minister for Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources to a meeting of the Committee to discuss the transport
emission figures in the carbon budget and the energy emission figures, respectively. It
was also agreed to add Gaslink to the list of future witnesses before the Committee.
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
It was agreed that Deputy McManus would do a report for the Committee comparing
Minister Gormley’s framework for climate change legislation to the Committee’s own
report including the heads of a Bill.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Deputy McManus asked that all correspondence would in future be available
electronically for display in the committee room.
It was agreed that Mr. Taylor would prepare two briefing notes for the Committee:
(i)
on the potential for shale gas production in Ireland, and
(ii)
on the feasibility of transforming the public transport fleet to be carbon neutral.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.02 p.m. sine die.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
3 February 2010
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.35 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private
session, a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Ciaran Cuffe,
Andrew Doyle, Michael Fitzpatrick, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and Mary Wallace
and Senators Fiona O’Malley and Joe O’Toole.
Apologies were received from Deputy Phil Hogan and from Senator Ned O’Sullivan.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
PUBLIC SESSION
The Committee agreed to go into Public Session at 3.15 p.m.
6. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IRELAND’S 2009 ENERGY REPORTS
The Chairman welcomed Professor J. Owen Lewis and Dr. Brian Motherway of
Sustainable Energy Ireland.
Professor Lewis and Dr. Motherway elaborated on the analytical reports — ‘Energy in
Ireland, 1990-2008’, ‘Energy Forecasts for Ireland until 2020’ and ‘Understanding
Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland’ — published by Sustainable Energy Ireland in
December 2009.
A question and answer session ensued.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.28 p.m. sine die.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
17 February 2010
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.40 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private
session, a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Ciaran Cuffe,
Andrew Doyle, Michael Fitzpatrick, Phil Hogan, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and
Mary Wallace and Senators Paudie Coffey, Fiona O’Malley and Ned O’Sullivan.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 3.30 p.m. until 3 March
2010.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
3 March 2010
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 3 MARCH, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.40 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private
session, a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Ciaran Cuffe,
Andrew Doyle, Michael Fitzpatrick, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and Mary Wallace
and Senator Ned O’Sullivan.
Apologies were received from Senators Fiona O’Malley and Joe O’Toole.
Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick (Vice-chairman) took the chair from 4.47 p.m., until the end
of the meeting.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
PUBLIC SESSION
The Committee went into public session at 2.57 p.m.
6. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
The report from the energy officers in Leinster House regarding the Oireachtas Energy
Management Plan was discussed. It was noted that significant progress has been made in
reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions and it was agreed that those
responsible should be congratulated on their work in this regard.
7. PRESENTATIONS ON ENERGY POLICY
The Committee had invited Spirit of Ireland, the Irish Academy of Engineering and
Energy Needs Ireland to come before it to discuss energy policy.
8.A. Irish Academy of Engineering
Mr. Kieran O’Brien, Head of the Standing Committee on Energy and related
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
Environmental matters, Mr. Don Moore, Acting Director and Dr. Anthony Barry, made a
presentation on behalf of the Irish Academy of Engineering.
There followed a question and answer session.
8.B. Spirit of Ireland
Mr. Graham O’Donnell – Project Leader, Professor Igor Shevets and Dr. Pat
O’Donoghue, made a presentation on behalf of Spirit of Ireland.
There followed a question and answer session.
8.C. Energy Needs Ireland
Ms. Muireann Lynch and Mr. Eamon Keane made a presentation on behalf of Energy
Needs Ireland.
There followed a question and answer session.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 5.05 p.m. until 24 March
2010.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
24 March 2010
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 24 MARCH, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 1.45 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private
session, a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Joe Behan, Simon Coveney, Andrew Doyle, Michael
Fitzpatrick, Phil Hogan, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and Mary Wallace and Senators
Fiona O’Malley and Joe O’Toole.
Senator Paddy Burke attended in accordance with Seanad Standing Order 79(2).
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
PUBLIC SESSION
The Committee went into public session at 1.55 p.m.
7. DISCUSSION WITH THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources had been invited to
address the Joint Committee on the recommendations falling within his responsibility in
the Committee’s report on “Meeting Ireland’s Electricity Needs post -2020”, on the issue
of legislation to facilitate the planning, development and construction of major offshore
renewable energy projects and in relation to the development of grid infrastructure.
The Minister made a presentation to the Committee. This was followed by a question and
answer session with the Members.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 3.27 p.m. until 21 April
2010.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
21 April 2010
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 1.45 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private
session, a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Joe Behan, Simon Coveney,
Andrew Doyle, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and Mary Wallace and Senators Paudie
Coffey, Ned O’Sullivan and Joe O’Toole.
Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IS PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 2.35 p.m. until 28 April
2010.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
28 April 2010
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.40 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Joe Behan, Simon Coveney, Andrew
Doyle, Michael Fitzpatrick and Liz McManus and Senators Fiona O’Malley and Joe
O’Toole.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
PUBLIC SESSION
The Committee went into public session at 3.20 p.m.
5. THE GREEN NEW DEAL – DISCUSSION WITH COMHAR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL
The Committee had invited representatives of Comhar Sustainable Development Council
to come before it to discuss their report “the Green New Deal”.
Professor Frank J. Convery, Chairperson, Mr. Eoin McLoughlin, Policy Analyst, and
Dr. Cathy Maguire, Research Director, made a presentation to the Committee.
There followed a question and answer session.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 2.35 p.m. until 28 April
2010.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
12 May 2010
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.42 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in public session,
a quorum being present.
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
The following Members were present:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Simon Coveney, Andrew Doyle, Finian McGrath,
Liz McManus and Mary Wallace and Senators Fiona O’Malley, Ned O’Sullivan and Joe
O’Toole.
2. CHANGE OF AGENDA ORDER.
It was agreed to take item 4 on the agenda first.
3. GREEN-HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM AGRICULTURE
The Committee had invited the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to discuss
green-house gas emissions from agriculture; forestry and climate change; biofuel
production and other issues.
The Minister made an opening speech.
There followed a question and answer session.
PRIVATE SESSION
The Committee went into private session at 4.18 p.m.
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.24 p.m. until 26 May
2010.
Seán Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
26 May 2010
20
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 26 MAY, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.46 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000 a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Seán Barrett (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Andrew Doyle,
Michael Fitzpatrick, Michael Kennedy*, and Liz McManus and Senators Martin Brady*,
Paudie Coffey and Joe O’Toole.
* Deputy Kennedy and Senator Brady attended in accordance with Dáil Standing Order
92(3) and Seanad Standing Order 79(2), respectively.
PRIVATE SESSION
It was agreed to go into private session.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY ACTION PLAN (NREAP)
Officials of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Division of the Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources attended the meeting to discuss the current
position of National Renewable Energy Action Plan.
There followed a question and answer session.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.40 p.m. until 9 June 2010.
Michael Fitzpatrick, T.D.
Vice-Chairman
9 June 2010
21
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 9 JUNE, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.42 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private session, a
quorum being present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Sean Barrett (in the Chair), Simon Coveney, Andrew Doyle, Michael
Fitzpatrick, Liz McManus and Mary Wallace and Senator Paudie Coffey.
Apologies were received from Senators Ned O’Sullivan and Joe O’Toole.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.03 p.m..
7. PRESENTATION ON THE PÖYRY REPORT
Ms. Bernie Gray, Chairperson, Mr. Dermot Byrne, Chief Executive and Mr. Philip
McDonnell, Generation Analysis Manager of Eirgrid and Mr. Phil Hare, Managing
Director of Pöyry, then addressed the meeting.
There followed a question and answer session.
Deputy Fitzpatrick took the Chair at 4.01 p.m.until the end of the meeting.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Following a suggestion from Deputy McManus, it was agreed that Minister Ciarán Cuffe
would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Joint Committee to discuss the
proposed Climate Change legislation, heads of which are expected to be published by the
end of the month.
22
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.43 p.m. until 23 June
2010.
_________________
Sean Barrett, T.D.
Chairman
23 June 2010
23
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.38 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private session, a
quorum being present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Sean Barrett (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Andrew Doyle,
Michael Fitzpatrick, Liz McManus and Trevor Sargent and Senator Paudie Coffey.
Apologies were received from Senator Fiona O’Malley.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.10 p.m..
8. COMMITTEE RESPONSE TO DRAFT NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY ACTION PLAN
The committee discussed their response to the draft National Renewable Energy Action
Plan and agreed a number of substantive changes to the draft text, and some to the tone of
the document. It was agreed to send the response, as amended, to the Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.13 p.m. until 7 July 2010.
____________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
29 September, 2010
24
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 7 JULY, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.50 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, in private session, a
quorum being present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Sean Barrett (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Joe Behan, Simon Coveney,
Andrew Doyle, Michael Fitzpatrick, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus, Trevor Sargent, and
Senators Paudie Coffey, Ned O Sullivan, and Joe O Toole.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.38 p.m.
7. EPA PRESENTATION ON IRELAND’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PROJECTIONS
The Chairman welcomed the EPA representatives, Ms Laura Burke (Director), Dr Ken
Macken (Programme Manager), and Dr Eimear Cotter (Senior Scientific Officer). The
EPA made an initial presentation on their latest annual projections which was followed by
a detailed question and answer session.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.26 p.m. until 8 July 2010.
___________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
29 September 2010
25
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF JOINT SITTING WITH JOINT COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS,
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
THURSDAY, 8 JULY, 2010
The Joint Committee held a joint meeting with the Joint Committee on Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources at 3.14 p.m. in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, in public
session, a quorum being present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security
were present:Deputies Michael Fitzpatrick (in the chair), Bobby Aylward, Seán Barrett, Simon
Coveney and Dinny McGinley
The following members of the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources were present:Deputies MJ Nolan (in the chair), Peter Kelly and Liz McManus and Senator Maria
Corrigan.
2. MEETING WITH US UNDER-SECRETARY FOR ENERGY
The Committees had both invited the US Under-Secretary for Energy, Ms Kristina
Johnson, for a discussion on energy related matters. The Vice-Chairman welcomed
Under-Secretary Johnson on behalf of the two Committees and invited her to make some
opening remarks.
A discussion was held on topics of mutual interest. The meeting was suspended twice for
Dáil divisions from 3.20 to 3.40, and 3.50 to 4.05pm.
At the conclusion, the Vice-Chairman thanked the Under-Secretary for attending.
3. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.15pm, sine die.
____________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
29 September 2010
26
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF THURSDAY, 8 JULY, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 4.17 p.m. in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, in public session, a
quorum being present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Simon Coveney, Michael Fitzpatrick (Vice-Chairman), Dinny McGinley and
Liz McManus.
Also in attendance were Deputy MJ Nolan and Senator Maria Corrigan, in accordance
with Dáil Standing Order 95(3) and Seanad Standing Order 79(2), respectively.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.20pm, sine die.
____________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
29 September 2010
27
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.43 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Dinny McGinley (in the Chair), Simon Coveney, Andrew Doyle, Michael
Fitzpatrick, Finian McGrath, Mary Wallace and Trevor Sargent and Senator Joe O’Toole.
Apologies were received from Deputy Liz McManus and Senator Ned O’Sullivan.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.25 p.m..
5. PRESENTATION BY EIRGRID ON FACILITATION OF RENEWABLES
Mr. Dermot Byrne, CEO, and Mr. Fintan Slye, Executive Director, Operations, Eirgrid,
then made a presentation to the committee.
There followed a question and answer session.
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.33 p.m. until 29
September 2010.
____________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
29 September, 2010
28
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.42 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Dinny McGinley (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Michael
Fitzpatrick, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and Trevor Sargent and Senators Paudie
Coffey, Fiona O’Malley and Ned O’Sullivan.
Also in attendance were Deputy Leo Varadkar and Senator Larry Butler, in accordance
with Dáil Standing Order 92(3) and Seanad Standing Order 79(2) respectively.
Apologies were received from Senator JoeO’Toole.
2. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.03 p.m..
7. PRESENTATION BY COMMISSION FOR ENERGY REGULATION
Mr. Michael Tutty, Chairman, of the Commission for Energy Regulation, Mr. Dermot
Nolan and Mr. Garrett Blaney then made a presentation to the committee, on the topics of
Energy Regulation, including the Single Electricity Market, the Public Service Obligation
Levy, and offshore wind development.
There followed a question and answer session.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.12 p.m. until 13 October
2010.
___________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
29 September, 2010
29
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 13 OCTOBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.27 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Dinny McGinley (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Joe Behan, Seymour
Crawford, Michael Fitzpatrick, Finian McGrath, Liz McManus and Trevor Sargent and
Senators Fiona O’Malley, Ned O’Sullivan and Joe O’Toole.
Also in attendance were Deputies Cyprian Brady and Simon Coveney in accordance with
Dáil Standing Order 92(3).
2. PRIVATE SESSION
It was agreed to go into private session at 2.27 p.m.
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 2.35 p.m..
6. VISIONS FOR THE APPLICATION OF IT IN THE AREA OF SUSTAINABLE AND RENEWABLE
ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Presentations were made to the Committee by Mr. Paul Lynam, Chief Financial Officer
and Mr. Michael O'Connor, Head of Communications, of Siemens Ireland, and by
Professor J. Owen Lewis and Dr. Brian Motherway of the Sustainable Energy Authority
of Ireland.
There followed a question and answer session.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.03 p.m. until 27 October
2010.
_______________________
Michael Fitzpatrick, T.D.
Vice - Chairman
27 October, 2010
30
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 27 OCTOBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.45 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Dinny McGinley (in the Chair), Joe Behan, Seymour Crawford, Finian
McGrath, Liz McManus and Trevor Sargent and Senators Fiona O’Malley, Ned
O’Sullivan and Joe O’Toole.
Deputy Padraic McCormack also attended, in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 92(3).
2. ORDER OF BUSINESS
It was agreed to begin the meeting with item 3 on the agenda as the witness was already
waiting.
3. VISIONS FOR THE APPLICATION OF IT IN THE AREA OF SUSTAINABLE AND RENEWABLE
ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
A presentation was made to the Committee by Dr. Lisa Amini, Director of IBM’s
“Smarter Cities” Technology Centre.
There followed a question and answer session.
4. PRIVATE SESSION
It was agreed to go into private session at 3.54 p.m.
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.00 p.m. until 10
November 2010.
______________________
Michael Fitzpatrick, T.D.
Vice - Chairman
10 November, 2010
31
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.38 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Michael Fitzpatrick (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Seymour Crawford, Liz
McManus, Trevor Sargent and Leo Varadkar and Senators Paudie Coffey and Ned
O’Sullivan.
Deputy Andrew Doyle and Senator Niall Ó Brolcháin also attended, in accordance with
Dáil Standing Order 92(3) and Seanad Standing Order 79(2), respectively.
Apologies were received from the Chairman, Deputy Dinny McGinley.
2. PRIVATE SESSION
It was agreed to go into private session.
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.00 p.m.
6. SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY AND FOREST CARBON SEQUESTRATION
A presentation was made to the Committee by Mr. Ciarán Black, Enterprise Development
Director of Coillte, accompanied by Mr. Gerry Egan, Group Director for Strategy and
Corporate Affairs.
There followed a question and answer session.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4.21 p.m. until 24
November 2010.
_______________________
Michael Fitzpatrick, T.D.
Vice - Chairman
24 November, 2010
32
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 24 NOVEMBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met at 2.50 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, a quorum being
present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Dinny McGinley (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Joe Behan, Seymour
Crawford, Michael Fitzpatrick (Vice-Chair), Finian McGrath, Liz McManus, Trevor
Sargent, Mary Wallace and Senator Paudie Coffey.
Deputies James Bannon and Paul Kehoe also attended in accordance with Dáil Standing
Order 92(3).
2. PRIVATE SESSION
It was agreed to go into private session.
3. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
4. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
5. ITEM DISCUSSED IN PRIVATE SESSION
6. PUBLIC SESSION
It was agreed to go into public session at 3.05 p.m.
7. SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY AND FOREST CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Individual presentations were made to the Committee by three groups
 the Irish Timber Growers Association
 the Farm Forestry unit of the IFA
 private sector respresentatives from five organisations (None-So-Hardy Forestry,
Greenbelt, Imperative Energy, Glennon Brothers and Magner Communications).
There followed a question and answer session. The Chairman thanked the witnesses for
attending and assisting the Committee in considering its position for discussion with the
Minister.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 5.14 p.m. until 1 December
2010.
___________________
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
1 December, 2010
33
JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY
MINUTES OF MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2010
The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.27 p.m. in Committee Room 4, LH 2000, a
quorum being present.
1. ATTENDANCE
The following Members attended the meeting:Deputies Dinny McGinley (in the Chair), Bobby Aylward, Simon Coveney, Seymour
Crawford, Michael Fitzpatrick and Trevor Sargent, and Senator Paudie Coffey.
2. SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY AND FOREST CARBON SEQUESTRATION
The Committee has had a number of meetings with interested stakeholders on the issue of
sustainable forestry and carbon sequestration. Individual presentations were made to the
Committee at this meeting by
 Mr Paul Harris, Head of Natural Resource Risk Management in Bank of Ireland
Global Markets and
 Mr. Tony Lyttle, EcoSecurities Group.
There followed a question and answer session. The Chairman thanked the witnesses for
attending and assisting the Committee in considering its position for discussion with the
Minister.
3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 6.49 p.m. until 15 December
2010.
Dinny McGinley, T.D.
Chairman
13 January, 2011
34