asked the Minister for Energy the amount of money that has been allocated to research and development of alternative energy sources in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The sum of £97,000 has been allocated for the new and renewable energy programme for 1984. In addition my Department are in the final stages of signing a contract with the EEC who are to provide a grant of IR£158,000 over a period to June 1986 towards the maintenance, monitoring and improvement of five of our wind turbine generator sites. We expect to receive IR£67,150 of this money this year.

I am very aware of the need to maintain the impetus for development of our renewable resources, and although this is of course made more difficult by a declining budget allocation, I am satisfied that those areas which show most potential are not being neglected as a result.

Is the Minister satisfied that sufficient money is being provided for survey and identification work for the setting up of smaller hydro stations on the fast flowing rivers? Is money being made available for research on the possibilities of methane gas from farmyard effluent?

An Foras Forbartha and the ESB have nearly completed a detailed survey on potential sites for hydro installations. This will show how many sites are available, what the power output would be and whether they are commercially attractive.

Would the Minister reply to the last past of the question relating to methane gas?

This is also a matter in which my Department are interested. We do not have a programme on it in the Department but we are aware of developments and are in close touch where projects are being undertaken.

Is any agency taking responsibility for research work in this area?

I will find out exactly what the position is because it may very well involve a number of Departments and State agencies. I will contact the Deputy when I have full information.