Mr. Michael Manley:

The public sector was given a higher target than the rest of the economy when, at the start of this decade, it was given a target of 33%. We are currently at about 20% and we are making good progress. One of the things the Department has been concerned about is putting energy efficiency centre stage in public bodies. Understandably, people in the justice sector are concerned about justice rather than the buildings they occupy, and the same goes for education and healthcare.

Last year, the Government approved a new programme on public sector energy efficiency. A large part of the programme focuses on governance and making sure that everybody in the public sector has an energy performance officer and reports regularly on what is being achieved. That is part of the governance, the structure and the reporting but we also matched that with funding. Between last year and this year we have provided €14 million to the Office of Public Works, OPW, which is again looking at pilot projects. I am sorry to keep using the term "pilot project" because I know it sounds like one is sampling. The reality is we are testing many new techniques for our building supply chains and building experiences. Traditional building methodologies were very forgiving. If a door was a little too wide the surrounding lintel was so strong that it held up everything. Many of the new technologies are very technically specific. They must be installed and maintained expertly. Building that capacity within the system is really important. That is why there has been a heavy focus on the pilot phase, certainly in 2017-18 and possibly into next year.

We are on a good trajectory. There is a specific provision in the national development plan for public buildings but I forgot to bring a copy with me. I cannot remember the number but I have no problem relaying it to the clerk of the committee. There is a reorientation. In fact, the Government has endorsed a new strategy whereby every single body must report on where it is at. The Secretary General has found the relevant page, which states there will be investment in energy efficiency of existing commercial and public building stock with a target of all public buildings and at least one third of total commercial premises being upgraded to building energy rating, BER, of B over the life cycle of the plan.