asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has undertaken any review of the possibility of satisfying the country's energy requirements by harnessing the wave power around the coastal shores.

I am informed by the ESB that a preliminary study into the possibility of using wave energy for electricity generation has been carried out by the ESB and the National Science Council.

The board add that it is as yet too early to say whether or not the use of this energy source will become a practical proposition. Further investigations are, however, continuing in order to establish a clearer view of Irish wave energy resources and detailed design information on developments in other countries is being obtained.

I am also informed that wave energy, even if it becomes practical, might not be able to contribute to our energy needs for many years to come.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.