Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departments' Energy Conservation.

Séamus Pattison

Ceist:

59 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Energy if he has made representations to other Ministers regarding energy usage in Government Departments and in the agencies under their control, with a particular view to reducing the costs of energy imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

Managers within State and semi-State organisations have the primary responsibility to effect cost cutting measures including energy conservation measures.

Following a comprehensive review of my Department's energy conservation programme completed in 1989 new programmes earmarked for specific sectors were introduced. This included a programme aimed specifically at the public sector. Eolas, who administer much of my Department's conservation programme, had commenced energy audits of their own premises and those of my Department in 1989. Recently Eolas have commenced a similar audit of the Government buildings complex, including the Houses of the Oireachtas. The objective is to identify and rectify energy inefficiencies in the buildings concerned. It is intended to replicate the results whereby the managers of other State and semi-State bodies will be encouraged by the benefits demonstrated to introduce appropriate energy efficient manangement.