Vol. 400 No. 9
79 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to figures which show that Ireland's energy use is 18 per cent higher in terms of gross domestic product than the EC average; if he has any plans to encourage energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am not aware of the specific source of the information referred to in the Deputy's question.
A number of indicators would suggest, prima facie, that Ireland's energy use, in terms of gross domestic product, is higher than other EC countries. Certain factors which are unique to Ireland contribute to this. In particular, we have the only stand-alone grids for gas and electricity with consequent higher and, therefore, more costly reserve requirements. The basis on which most calculations of energy intensity are carried out involves direct comparison of GDPs of member states as indicators of the volume of economic activity and there are shortcomings in this method of measurement which would tend to distort inter-country comparisons.The extent of any such distortion is very difficult to quantify.
Ireland's energy intensity has been improving steadily and, with continuing improvements in the efficiency of energy use together with sustained strong economic growth, it is expected that our energy use, in terms of GDP, will continue to fall in the coming years.
