asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the need to conserve energy, he proposes to issue positive recommendations concerning the heat insulation of buildings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Conservation.
16.
When the oil crisis arose in the winter of 1973-74, I asked An Foras Forbartha, in conjunction with the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, to make an investigation into measures which, by improving the thermal insulation qualities of houses and other buildings, would help to conserve energy on a national basis.
An interim report, dealing with the fabric of dwellings, was submitted to me and made available publicly for comment by interested parties. The examination of this report and the comments submitted on it is nearing completion and I will shortly be issuing a statement regarding insulation standards for local authority housing and grant-aided dwellings. An Foras Forbartha and the Institute are continuing their investigation into insulation standards for buildings generally.
Will the Minister state if he is doing anything about price standards for these materials? This is the important factor and if prices go through the ceiling people will not adopt any recommendations made.
The question of prices is a matter for another Minister. I am calling Question No. 17.