Eamon Ryan T.D., the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources hosted a forum for senior representatives from across the Irish energy sector in Government Buildings.
The theme of the meeting was innovation and job creation in the energy sector.
"My purpose in holding this event today was to start a dialogue with the key players in the energy sector.
"The United Nations Environment Programme reported that investors poured $71 billion into clean energy technologies last year. This was a jump of 43% from 2005 and 158% over the last two years. The experts predict investments of $85 billion for 2007 (Click Here). We need to locate a large part of that investment in Ireland.
"With the benefit of the Green Party in Government, there has been a 'green energy boom' in Germany. Over 214,000 people have found jobs in the renewable energy sector in that country. Ireland has even greater natural resources in terms of wind and tidal energy than Germany. It is my intention that we look to other European countries' experiences, seek to emulate - and ultimately to surpass - them.
"There is no reason why Ireland cannot lead this 'green energy boom'. We already have 12,000 people working in the energy sector in Ireland. I want to see this number doubled, trebled - even quadrupled.
"Climate change and rising oil prices mean we have to reform the way we use and create energy. We can look at these challenges in a negative light - or, we can realise the potential that exists for sustainable economic growth that exists.
"The recent Energy White Paper and Programme for Government have set ambitious - but achievable - targets for the Irish energy sector. By 2020, we want to have achieved 20% energy savings, with one-third of energy coming from renewable sources. These targets should be viewed as the start of our ambitions rather than their limits.
"The Forum today is only the beginning of a process of Government engagement with the energy industry. Given the success of today's event, there has been widespread agreement to hold a larger Energy Open Day early in the New Year.
"The Energy Innovation and Employment Initiative is a whole-Government initiative. I look forward to working with my Ministerial colleagues and the industry in enhancing our national competitiveness via renewable energy.
"Twenty years ago, there was no IFSC - Ireland was not the global leader in IT and bio-pharmacy that it now is. Our aim now is to encourage the energy industry in Ireland in order to create the jobs of tomorrow.
"We have industry ready and waiting in the wings to take advantage of this new opportunity. Assisting them in this process will be a key priority of this Government."
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