asked the Minister for Energy the proposals or further proposals there are for improving energy conservation in (a) domestic dwellings, (b) office premises and (c) industrial buildings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Conservation.
13.
While State financing for energy conservation activities has not escaped the necessary cut-backs of recent years, some resources are being made available and the conservation programme is constantly being reviewed. It is also necessary to bear in mind that certain beneficial activities, such as the Energy Management Association, launched and supported by the State in their initial years, are now self-sustaining and will continue to improve our overall performance in energy conservation.
The main elements of the current programme are advice and information for the domestic sector provided mainly by the Department and the advisory services for industry, commerce and the public sector carried out by the IIRS. All new local authority and grant-aided houses are subject to minimum insulation requirements and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, will incorporate minimum standards for all buildings into future building regulations. The IDA also require new grant-aided industrial buildings to meet minimum insulation requirements.
Other proposals will be considered depending on resources allocated for this purpose and the cost effectiveness of particular actions.
Can the Minister give an indication of when the new regulations requiring certain standards in all new buildings will be available and enforceable?
This is a matter for the Department of the Environment. I gather that the regulations are at present being drafted.
Have the Department of Energy been involved, and will that Department participate in the drawing up of the regulations?
We would have been involved with the Department of the Environment, giving technical assistance in the drafting of the regulations.
Have the Department of Energy been in touch with the Department of the Environment regarding the greater efficiency in energy conservation of timber framed houses rather than the traditional concrete block cavity walls?
In matters relating to energy efficiency the Department of the Environment would co-operate with my Department.
I am asking the Minister whether his Department have had discussions with the Department of the Environment regarding the greater efficiency of timber framed houses in regard to energy conservation.
I am not aware of this matter.
What is the Minister doing at all?
14.
asked the Minister for Energy if he noted in the study "Irish Energy Policy" by F.T. Convery, S. Scott and C. McCarthy, prepared for the National Economic and Social Council, the finding (page 74) that "the public sector has been the least active participant in conservation measures"; and if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have noted the statement to which the Deputy refers. It would appear that there is little to support the allegation that conservation effort in the public sector is lacking. The NESC, in their own comments on the report, did not indicate that they were in agreement with the consultants on this issue, while at the same time expressing the view that the public sector must lead in matters of this kind.
Within the limits of available resources for energy conservation, the public sector has been singled out as an area for particular concentration in recent years. The main efforts are directed at central Government Departments, schools, local authority and health board offices and institutions. The IIRS since 1980, have included a public buildings advisory service in their work programme and have thereby helped to achieve considerable savings.
I am not complacent about these results and recognise that all concerned can take many actions to save energy in the public as well as the private sector.
Despite what the Minister has said about the report, it clearly stated that the public sector was the least active participant in conservation measures. The public sector should be showing an example rather than the reverse. What does the Minister propose to do? Has this situation arisen because the Department of the Public Service are involved? Is that why the Department of Energy did not accept the accuracy of the report?
The report was prepared for the NESC by independent consultants and the NESC in their comments on the report did not indicate they were in agreement with the consultants. There are two separate questions in this. There has been activity in the public service aimed at energy conservation. I agree there is need for care in the public as well as the private sector.
From the point of view of the information we are getting in reply to questions on reports, does it not seem that the Minister should consider seriously whether he should continue to have these reports commissioned?
This is comment.