asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if it is proposed to take any initiative to reduce the level of energy consumption in home heating and in transportation as a result of recent developments which indicate that the costs of energy will increase this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

34.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will give details of the initiatives which he proposes for intensifying efforts to ensure conservation of energy.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

On 27 March last I announced certain initiatives in the area of energy conservation. Briefly they included measures to ensure that new industry be energy efficient before being granted aid and the extension and rationalisation of current grant schemes aimed at energy saving in industry.

I announced at the same time that the IIRS would take on a leading and active role in all aspects of energy conservation.

The IIRS, whose new role will extend beyond the industrial sector and into the domestic, commercial and transport sectors, will be drawing up lines of action for these other sectors in conjunction with the appropriate organisations and Government Departments.

Measures to improve the thermal performance standards for buildings are due to come into operation on 1 July next. I hope to announce, in the near future, proposals for the further encouragement of energy conservation in areas such as home heating and transportation.