By working together, you, the largest industrial energy users in the country, in collaboration with a state agency, have both reduced greenhouse gas emissions and contributed to Irelands competitiveness.

I am delighted to also see that the LIEN is continuing to expand with the addition of four new members this year. Boston Scientific, Tech Group Ireland, Kerry Ingredients and Bulmers are joining a group of like-minded firms all committed to the very best in corporate citizenship and understanding the value of collaboration.

Obviously, this report hammers home the fact that your members are devoting considerable human and capital resources to the management of energy and emissions - and to the results.

The Network states that, since its inception, it has saved almost 450,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Thats important.

Also important is the fact that the reduction has gone on, year on year, even during difficult trading conditions.

In that context, I want to make a point about a shift in attitude I would perceive, right across the major energy users.

Fifteen years ago - even ten years ago - the attitude to demands for reduction was one of reluctant resentment. Industry felt put-upon. This reduction stuff might be environmentally-friendly, but industry was in the business of - well, in the business of business.

All that soft-and-fuzzy environmental stuff might have its merits, but was seen as essentially opposed to good business and making a profit.

That has changed. It hasnt changed utterly, but it has changed substantially.

Every good profitable business thats a high energy user now sees energy management not as a worthy idea imposed from the outside, but as an internal imperative thats good for the companys bottom line.

Rigorous energy management is going to be even more important in the fairly immediate future. The increasing price of energy represents a threat to business and competitiveness - but that threat is greatly lessened for those who manage energy wisely. In this regard, the example LIEN gives to the wider industrial community is formidable.

Energy management has become such a central preoccupation for management that the moves of SEI and the National Standards Authority of Ireland towards establishing an Irish Energy Management Standard have to be welcome.

You will appreciate that, having been Minister for the Environment, I have a deep, personal and passionate interest in this area. In that context, I want to mention the Kyoto Protocol.

Three months ago, an awful lot of business people and politicians would have regarded the Kyoto Protocol as dead in the water. Not going to be ratified.

That view was based on the certain knowledge that Russia wouldnt sign up for the protocol. Certain knowledge&

Certain knowledge allowed some interests to try to stall efforts to get regimes in place to help Ireland reach its obligations.

And then, guess what? Certain knowledge turned out to be uncertain. Russia signed up.

Bottom line: we now have four years, instead of six to eight years, to get our act together. Thats a challenge. (And its more of a challenge because our preparation period has been willfully cut short.)

But its do-able.

LIEN has proved that meeting Kyoto targets is also an opportunity,

An opportunity to increase efficiencies. Cut costs. Help the environment.

LIEN has also proven that, working in partnership with a state body, large industry can benefit their bottom line while contributing significantly to the delivery of public policy.

LIENs a prime example of effective collaboration between the state and the private sector to the benefit of all.

I trust that this report will spread that good word.

LIEN is a good example of a voluntary proactive approach from industry. For those who havent got the message a number of new EU Directives will provide further stimulus for firms to manage energy. The Emissions Trading Directive presents new challenges and opportunities for industry as, for the first time ever, they must account and budget for their carbon dioxide emissions. The Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Directive, Biofuels Directive, Energy Performance in Buildings Directive and the Renewables Directives also require an integrated series of actions from Ireland.

Last year, my Department published a consultation document Options for Future Renewable Energy Policy, Targets and Programmes. The document examines support mechanisms and renewable energy policies in Ireland and Europe and looked at key future challenges. A bio-energy strategy group and CHP policy group were also established, representing Government and industry interests.

The Renewable Energy Development Group, chaired by my Department has been tasked with drawing all of these initiatives together, and advising on future policies options, targets, programmes and support measures to increase the use of renewable energy to 2010 and beyond. The Groups report is due before the end of this year and will provide the basis for a comprehensive new renewable energy policy for Ireland.

The publication of an annual report provides a valuable review of work undertaken and results achieved. But it also serves as a platform to launch further activity in the coming year. I commend the members of the LIEN for your commitment and ongoing work and look forward to receiving the results of your activity at the next annual report launch.

ENDS