The energy conservation programme arising from the Government's Environment Action Programme published last year took the form of a number of new initiatives as well as a continuation of existing activities.
The National Energy Conservation and Efficiency Advisory Group which I established last year completed a report for me on energy conservation proposals which would be worth pursuing. Their suggestions are being examined as a matter of priority. In addition a number of headline practical projects were undertaken notably a survey to trace more precisely the location of groundwater, which can be used in conjunction with heat pumps to provide heat for buildings in the city centre area of Dublin, has been completed; support by way of a grant was provided to the charitable group "Energy Action" for draught-proofing the houses of the needy and elderly and a project to demonstrate the energy and cost savings which can be made by the installation of energy management systems in hospitals is still ongoing and will be completed this year. The budget for those elements of the programme which were carried forward into the current year is approximately £140,000 which is included in the total provision for conservation of £570,000.
The Deputy will appreciate, of course, that apart from the above measures an on-going programme of conservation activities is being promoted by Eolas on behalf of my Department, and that the ESB are also engaged in energy efficiency promotion activities in the electricity end-use area.