Vol. 492 No. 7
243 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 127 and 129 of 27 November 1997, he will provide a copy of the consultancy study commissioned by his Department in relation to limitation and reduction of CO 2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. [14864/98]
244 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 127 and 129 of 27 November 1997, he will provide a copy of the brief given to the consultants preparing the study commissioned by his Department in relation to limitation and reduction of CO 2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. [14865/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
The consultancy study was published on 22 June 1998 and copies are now available in the Oireachtas Library. A copy of the brief for the study is being forwarded to the Deputy.
245 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether local authorities are expected to take steps to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions. [14866/98]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 128 of 27 November 1997.
In respect of the items mentioned in that reply, I announced a comprehensive package of updated building controls last December, comprising consolidated Building Regulations 1997, Building Control Regulations 1997, and revised technical guidance documents; the consultancy study referred to was published on 22 June 1998; and energy conservation and sustainability issues relating to the design and construction of social housing — local authority and voluntary housing — will be addressed in the context of a series of guidelines currently being prepared.
In addition, the Value for Money Study No. 12: "Water Production and Distribution" includes, inter alia, recommendations in respect of energy efficiency.
