As the domestic sector accounts for about 30 per cent of total final energy consumption in Ireland I attach great importance to the efforts being pursued to achieve energy savings in this sector. In this regard, measures aimed at promoting and assisting energy conservation in this area have featured prominently in my Department's conservation programme over the years including measures such as a free advisory service for domestic energy consumers operated by Eolas and grant aid for the charitable group "Energy Action" who are involved in draught-proofing the houses of the needy and elderly. The ESB are engaged in a major promotional campaign aimed at achieving savings in electricity usage by the domestic sector generally and particularly in relation to lighting, water heating and attic insulation. In addition, Building Regulations made by the Minister for the Environment include improved thermal insulation standards for new buildings constructed after 1st June this year. The European Commission also recognise the importance of energy conservation actions in the domestic sector and many of the proposals planned under the EC "SAVE" Programme are targeted at this sector. My Department is closely involved in the development of these proposals.
The current overall budgetary situation and the necessary constraints on Exchequer expenditure do not permit of the allocation of funds for financial incentives for energy conservation purposes. In addition the administration cost of such incentives in the domestic sector can be very high. The thrust of my Department's programme is to heighten awareness among the public of the benefits of improved energy efficiency and to get over the message that it is in householders' own interests to implement conservation measures.
