David Stanton
Ceist:103 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress that has been made regarding energy labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11034/01]
Written Answers - Energy Labelling Scheme.
The EU energy labelling scheme, which is now in operation in Ireland, stems from an initiative launched in 1990 to improve electrical end use efficiency and to help member states achieve CO2 abatement targets. The labels are designed to give the consumer key information about the energy efficiency of an appliance before they make their purchase decision. At European level a framework directive – 92/75/EEC – for energy labelling has been developed and the corresponding implementation directives for specific appliances have been transposed into Irish law.
So far the regulations in force relate to the following household appliances: electrical refrigerators and freezers, electrical washing machines, electrical tumble driers, electrical combined washers-driers, dishwashers and lamps. In Ireland, labelling inspections are carried out by inspectors attached to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs at a rate of about 600 per year. Inspection results are forwarded to the Irish Energy Centre which monitors the performance of the scheme.
Studies carried out in 1997 showed that the level of compliance in Ireland was 56%, which was the European average. Since then a concerted effort has been made to get compliance levels up to more acceptable levels.
Compliance Rates at the end of 2000 were:
|
Refrigeration Appliances |
86.4% |
|
Washing Machines |
88.8% |
|
Tumble Dryers |
91.1% |
|
Washer Dryers |
82.9% |
|
Dishwashers |
64.4% |
Labelling inspections are ongoing, and specific attention will be given to dishwashers to improve compliance.