Vol. 574 No. 1
320 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current scheme arrangements to encourage householders to make their homes more energy efficient; the plans he has to introduce further or different schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26351/03]
Sustainable Energy Ireland operates under the aegis of my Department. It operates a number of programmes aimed at stimulating greater energy efficiency in the residential sector, particularly at householder level. These programmes share a number of significant objectives: making consumers aware of the energy they use in their day-to-day lives, making consumers aware of the environmental impact of the production, supply and use of fossil fuel based energy, informing consumers of their options with respect to their energy behaviour and empowering consumers to make better choices with respect to energy use and energy using appliances.
SEI operates a number of initiatives focused on energy efficiency. These include energy awareness week, aimed at promoting energy efficiency by householders, the publication of general information and detailed advice on all aspects of home energy and information services in the form of the energy hotline, a telephone advice service for householders and a web information service.
Information on energy efficiency is also enhanced by the existence of appliance labelling and allows individuals to make informed choices about energy efficiency when purchasing domestic appliances. SEI also runs a schools energy programme aimed at supporting education measures to influence awareness and behaviour about energy efficiency.
SEI decides whether to refresh its programmes and I do not have any separate plans.
