The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is the chief person at the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources. The Department’s portfolio includes responsibility for the development and regulation of a high quality, world class services in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. Under the Energy Portfolio, the department has responsibility for maintaining the security of national energy supply through regulation of the Oil Gas and Electricity sectors and the development of sustainable and renewable energies. The Department also has responsibility for ensuring maximum benefit from the exploration, exploitation and development of our Oil, Gas & Mineral resources through the Petroleum Affairs and Exploration and Mining Divisions and the Geological Survey of Ireland.
In October 2007, following the general election of that year, it was decided to transfer the remainder of the Marine portfolio including responsibility for Sea Fisheries Licensing, Seafood Policy and Coastal Zone Management to the Department of Agriculture & Food. Responsibility for Inland fisheries was retained in the department as part of the Natural Resources portfolio.
To look at the past Ministers of the Department, please follow this link