asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if the reduction in energy consumption mentioned after the Paris Summit and referred to by the Taoiseach in his statement to the Dáil on 15 March, is a reduction in the amount of energy use forecast or a reduction in the amount currently being used.

32.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if, in view of the latest OPEC increase in oil prices, the position as outlined by the Taoiseach in his Dáil statement of 15 March referring to the recent Paris Summit on the need to reduce requirements of fuel and energy is changed; and if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.

The reduction in energy consumption referred to by the Taoiseach in his Dáil statement on 15 March refers, in so far as this country is concerned, to this year's energy consumption as forecast for the year.

The latest OPEC measures referred to by the Deputy presumably relate to the decision to increase the official OPEC selling price as from 1 April. This decision should not affect the available supply of oil but certainly gives added emphasis to the need for energy conservation.

in what area of energy consumption does the Minister expect the reduction mentioned by the Taoiseach to take place?