Vol. 644 No. 3
66 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the figures he used to determine the new minimum energy efficiency standards for lighting that he will introduce in 2009 that will save 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year; the breakdown of the figures used in watts and tonnes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35157/07]
111 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions he has held or is holding with the European Commission on his proposal to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for lighting or a ban of incandescent lightbulbs; and if there are European directives he must comply with to proceed with this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35159/07]
116 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he proposes to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for lighting or a ban of incandescent lightbulbs from January 2009, including the steps he will take and a timetable for these steps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35158/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 111 and 116 together.
The potential savings from the introduction of an energy efficiency standard for lighting are based on emissions attributable to lighting in the residential sector. Sustainable Energy Ireland figures indicate that approximately 18%, or 1,323 gigawatt hours, of electricity use in the residential sector was accounted for by domestic lighting in 2004, equivalent to 860,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Given that modern compact fluorescent lamps typically use only 20% of the energy consumption of their incandescent alternatives, this indicates that savings of the order of 700,000 tonnes per annum could be achieved from domestic lighting if incandescent lamps are fully replaced in all domestic light fittings.
To put this into perspective, 700,000 tonnes is equivalent to 1% of annual emissions at present, so it is clear that the proposed measure could make a significant contribution to the Government's target of an annual average reduction of 3% in greenhouse gas emissions. It will also mean very big savings for households, as the longer lifespan and lower running cost of the CFL bulbs far outweigh their higher initial cost.
I intend shortly to establish an interdepartmental group representative of relevant Departments and agencies to advise me on the technical basis on which a standard should be developed, any requirements in EU legislation with which I must comply and the potential impacts of the proposal on specific groups. I intend to consult fully on any proposed standard, including with the European Commission, prior to finalising the measure.
In regard to the Minister's first point on the savings that will be attained from the introduction of this measure, I had an idea that what he outlined was the way in which he made those calculations. His calculation of the level of savings in tonnage of CO2 emissions from the introduction of this measure are faulty. He made an assumption that 80% of energy generated from incandescent lightbulbs will be wasted, but that is not the case. Much of the 80% of energy that does not generate light generates heat in homes. A change from the use of incandescent bulbs to other types of lightbulbs will reduce the level of heat in homes, and the heating system in homes will have to compensate for that shortfall. For example, a heating system with a thermostat will detect the difference in the level of heat in the home and compensate for any loss by increasing the domestic heating output. This will mean that more energy will be generated by way of domestic heat output. Therefore, the Minister's figures are wrong and to prove that——
Has the Deputy a question?
If the Minister were to talk to a scientist, he or she would tell him that his calculations are way off the mark. The savings figure for such a measure in Australia is 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. What is its population compared to ours? What will the Minister do to address the calculations he gave which are way off the mark? There is no way the level of energy emissions he predicted will be saved by the introduction of a ban on the use of incandescent lightbulbs. It is important he gets his calculations right. That brings me on to the issues——
I will call the Deputy again.
Okay.
I am happy for the Deputy to continue.
I was hoping that the Minister would answer the question.
If people are using lightbulbs to heat their houses, that represents a very inefficient use of a lightbulb. The calculations I received are from reliable people in Sustainable Energy Ireland who have done much work in this area and I will call on them again when we set up the consultative group. I am convinced about the value of this initiative. I spoke to my counterparts, including Hilary Benn and others, last week and to those in Greenpeace in Europe who are impressed that Ireland is leading the way in introducing this initiative. We led the way in introducing the plastic bag levy and the smoking ban. Those in Greenpeace have said to me that this is a fantastic opportunity for Ireland to also lead the way in terms of sustainability. I am proud to be part of a Government that will bring forward this initiative. While it is the role of the Opposition to put a damper on and be critical of proposals——
The Minister was in Opposition not too long ago but he has changed his mind on many issues.
——it would be great if its members were to share our enthusiasm for this measure to enhance sustainability.
The reason the Minister came up with this idea was to mask the fact that there was nothing green in the budget. It was predicted that the introduction of a similar measure in Australia, which has a population of 21 million, would result in a saving of 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, yet the Minister calculates that the introduction of this measure here with our population of 4 million would result in a saving of 700,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Therefore, his calculations could not possibly be right.
Australia, Britain and other countries are consulting on and phasing in the introduction of this type of ban because there are many issues to be considered, including savings in emissions. The Minister cannot possibly meet the deadline of January 2009 set for the introduction of this measure because Europe has a proposal on the table to phase in the ban on the use of incandescent lightbulbs. The Minister has to keep to its timetable.
The Minister cannot introduce this measure for at least another 18 months following publication of the legislation under EU law. Also the eco-design directive would prevent him from introducing it without consulting the stakeholders involved in terms of the cost of replacing the lighbulbs. The need to purchase lighbulbs that are ten times more expensive than those households currently used and the need to replace expensive light fittings will impose a major cost on households. Those issues need to be addressed. People, for example, those who have epilepsy, have health issues concerning the use of CFL bulbs. Other issues to be addressed include the free movement of goods and people's livelihoods. The Minister cannot do what he said he would do. The reason he said he could do this was to distract from a budget that had nothing green in it. He did not think through the introduction of this measure, which is not unusual.
I am sure that is a question for the Minister. Does the Minister agree?
I do not agree. If the Deputy is saying that the introduction of motor taxation based on CO2 emissions is not a green initiative——
It has not happened yet.
It will happen in July. While I am speculating, I would like to think it is our participation in government that has resulted in such initiatives.
I concede the Deputy has made some valid points on some difficulties in this regard that must be examined. One concerns the question of the light fittings. That is the reason we have allowed a year for the introduction this measure. However, the Deputy was incorrect in saying that we cannot introduce this ahead of the European Union's proposal. We can. I have consulted the Attorney General and others on this.
The Minister should ask the Minister, Deputy Martin, what happened with the introduction of the smoking ban and how the Government was delayed in its introduction of it because it did not take into account its EU obligations.
The then Government went ahead with it——
A year later.
——and it was an enormous success. People said it could not be done but it was done. Believe it or not Deputy, I consulted the Minister, Deputy Martin, on this issue and we had a long meeting on it.
The Deputy raised the issue of the cost of the bulbs. One CFL bulb can save €170 over the lifetime of a bulb. The cost of the bulbs are reducing all the time. By the time we introduce this measure, many of these bulbs will be in use. The bulbs will be available. Offers are being made now in regard to them. I do not accept that the use of these bulbs would involve a disproportionate cost for the poorer sections of the community. I understand the Deputy's concerns, but I believe this measure will be introduced on target, that the target is achievable and that this is an exciting initiative.
67 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that all rented accommodation is inspected by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30544/07]
All landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that their rented properties comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority. I have no function in the day-to-day operation of the inspection function in local authorities.
Good progress is being made with the action programme announced in September 2006 to promote improvement in standards of private rented accommodation, involving a range of measures including improved regulation, enforcement, funding and information. Enforcement is a key element of the programme and funding provided to local authorities for inspection purposes, from the proceeds of tenancy registration fees, is increasingly being linked to enforcement performance. Two reports recently published by the Centre for Housing Research on measures to promote improvement in private rented accommodation standards, particularly good practice guidelines for local authorities on enforcement, will also help to improve effectiveness in this area.
Housing authorities are giving greater priority to enforcement of the regulations. The number of inspections carried out in 2006 increased by 44% over 2005, reflecting the impact of the action programme on standards and progress with the rental accommodation scheme. The rate of compliance with the regulations reported by local authorities has also improved.
I have taken a number of opportunities, when meeting local authorities, to emphasise my determination to ensure that the good progress being made in the enforcement area is built on further. I will continue to assign a high priority to this area in the period ahead.
The Minister will be aware that legal action was taken in only 11 cases this year, which is unacceptable. A survey conducted in 2005 found that 30% of private rented accommodation was substandard. Some of the premises did not have, for example, proper central heating, refrigerators or even cookers. The Minister spoke about reviewing the standards in September 2006 but he has not yet published revised standards. Can he update the House on when the new standards will be published? A total of 38% of the people on waiting lists are single. They appear to have been left at the bottom of the pile. Does the Minister have any initiatives to house these people? The affordable housing scheme is clearly not working in view of the number of people on housing lists. Are there any new initiatives in this regard?
I thought I already answered that question when I said we are meeting the targets for social housing. With regard to the standards for private accommodation, there were 30,000 rented accommodation properties registered in 2003. The figure for 2007 is 200,000. There has been a dramatic improvement in this area. With regard to standards, a total of 700,000 new units have been built in the past ten years so those units are, by and large, in good condition. That is not to say there are not other properties that require upgrading. The Deputy has made the point that local authorities are not required to inspect all accommodation. It would be a waste of the local authorities' resources to inspect new properties. The best use of those resources is to target them at the categories where one is most likely to find non-compliance.
I have allocated €7 million for enforcement since 2004. This year I allocated €3 million, a 50% increase on last year's allocation. The first tranche of €1.5 million was paid out at the end of November to the local authorities that were meeting targets and appeared to be working well in this area. The balance of €1.5 million will be given to the local authorities that achieve inspection targets to ensure there is compliance. A fine system has been introduced for people who have not registered. The fine has increased significantly, from €1,270 to €3,000, and imprisonment can follow in cases where there is continued non-compliance.
I remind the Minister and Members that there is one minute each for each reply and supplementary question.
We appear to be back in the same situation as a month ago, with the Minister confusing registration with licensing. The key issue is standards. According to today's Irish Independent, a report from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland warned that the death rate linked to damp houses in this country is among the highest in Europe. More than 2,800 Irish people die every winter after suffering the ill effects of living in cold and damp houses. Another report published in November by the State-funded Centre for Housing Research found that substandard housing is far more common among rent supplement properties than in the rest of the private housing sector. This demonstrates that there is no base minimum line for the rental sector, be it local authority or private. Local authorities should be operating minimum standards. The Minister is well aware that some local authority properties are well below an acceptable standard.
As I asked the Minister a month ago, will the Government consider introducing a licensing system for letting properties, both in the private and local authority sectors, which would guarantee key fundamental requirements such as, for example, central heating, proper insulation and hot and cold running water? A month ago the Minister confused the idea of registration with a licensing standard. He is correct that the PRTB has increased registration, but registration is an entirely different concept. We will continue to revisit this issue until the Minister deals with licensing. Will the Government consider the introduction of a licensing system?
There are two issues and Deputy Lynch is now confusing regulation and licensing. I indicated that we intend to produce new, improved regulations early in the new year. The regulations will pertain to the outward appearance of private rented accommodation — the paths, driveways and so forth — and, in particular, to the type of heating and insulation levels in the house. These issues will be covered under the recommendations made in the new regulations.
That is a quantum leap from a month ago when the Minister gave no such indication when he was asked about it.
The Deputy was mixed up at the time, not me.
The Minister was confused but he has now offered clarity, which I welcome. Fair play to the Minister, he has read his brief a little more since then.
With regard to licensing, a report issued by the Centre for Housing Research suggested a pilot system for certification of compliance with private rented accommodation standards. We are examining the centre's proposals at present. I do not anticipate them being introduced immediately because a great deal of research is required in this area. I will report to the Dáil as soon as we make a final decision on the issue.
68 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the green light for the Poolbeg incinerator, he will instruct local authorities, under section 24 of the Waste Management Act 1996, to review their regional waste management strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35218/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 63. As indicated, I, as Minister, set policy and determine the implementation of policy on waste. I have a range of powers and functions under the waste management legislation which enable me to exercise this role. In particular I have the power to issue directions on policy to require changes to waste plans, although this power does not apply retrospectively, and to require the making of by-laws.
I have signalled a fundamental change in waste and resources policy. This policy change will move the emphasis in waste management up the waste hierarchy. As part of this policy change I am commissioning an international study for purposes of a waste policy review. The result of increased success in minimising, reducing, reusing and recycling waste will be reduced arising from residual waste. The use of technologies such as mechanical biological treatment will further reduce volumes of residual waste available. This leads me to the inevitable conclusion that throughput will not be available to ensure the viability of all the incineration capacity that is currently foreseen.
The Minister indicated there is a fundamental shift in waste policy. We have not yet seen it. When is the international review he has commissioned likely to conclude? If the Minister is committed to reducing the number of thermal treatment plants for waste, he must be aware that eight incinerators are currently proposed in the eight regional waste management plans. Will he use his powers to instruct the local authorities to review those waste management plans to remove the thermal treatment solutions included in them?
With regard to the Deputy's first question, the terms of reference for the review have been agreed and a steering committee has been appointed. I was anxious to ensure balance on the steering committee so I have appointed a number of people from non-governmental organisations, An Taisce and so forth, to sit on it. This will ensure the procurement process is correct and that we get a policy that reflects the sustainable waste management policy I have tried to highlight in recent months.
In regard to the direction of waste management policy, Deputy Hogan raised this issue during the summer and it has been claimed by the Opposition on several occasions that I have the power to direct Dublin City Council.
To review.
That was incorrect. I received advice not only from the Attorney General, but also from an eminent senior counsel from outside the House, and both confirmed it was not possible. The question of whether it is possible in respect of other regional waste plans can be considered but a number of other options must also be investigated, such as financial arrangements for funding incineration. It is not simply a question of discouraging incineration because we must also consider how we can encourage other technologies, such as mechanical biological treatment, and incentivise waste minimisation. Progress is being made in regard to the latter in that I have received a positive response from the main players in Repak. I put down a challenge to them to reduce their waste and, under the Cortauld agreement, they have agreed to co-operate. Deputy Hogan and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle were present when I put down the challenge at the Repak dinner. This is good news from everyone's perspective.
69 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extra resources he is providing to local authorities to operate a dual motor tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35199/07]
102 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projected costs of operating a dual motor tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35253/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 102 together.
At local motor tax offices, there will be no change in the arrangements for the processing of motor tax applications. The national vehicle and driver file, NVDF, which is managed centrally by the vehicle registration unit in Shannon, will be adjusted to provide for the application of CO2 based rates in respect of cars registered from 1 July 2008. The work involved will pertain to the first taxing of a vehicle as well as subsequent renewal of motor tax. Currently on first taxing or renewal of tax, the vehicle owner may attend the local motor tax office, correspond by post or make the tax application on-line at www.motortax.ie. Both the local and central systems are based on the NVDF and will be in a position automatically to apply both the old and the CO2 based rates as appropriate.
Existing arrangements, under which each car's registration number, ownership details and vehicle particulars are electronically transferred from Revenue computer systems to the NVDF, will continue to apply. This means that when a person applies to tax a vehicle for the first time the necessary information, including CO2 emissions ratings, will already be available on the NVDF to process the tax application. In respect of the subsequent renewal payment of tax, as applies at present, the tax renewal notice will be issued to motorists with the appropriate rates and the NVDF will be able to handle motor tax renewal applications where either the current engine capacity or CO2 based rates are appropriate.
On the question of first taxing, the on-line motor tax service operated by the vehicle registration unit was extended in December 2005 to enable first licensing, or taxing, of new and second-hand imported vehicles over the Internet. Almost 94,500 first licensing transactions were conducted on-line from January to November 2007. This represents 30% of all new and imported vehicle transactions processed. The on-line service has enabled local authorities to deliver a more cost effective and efficient service to the motoring public.
Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. When petrol or diesel is burnt for energy in a car engine, the main emissions are water vapour and CO2, which are directly proportionate to the amount of fuel burned. Moving to a CO2 basis of assessment for motor tax fully captures the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
