Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 128 together.

The energy performance of buildings directive, Directive 2002/91/EC, was adopted on 16 December 2002. EU member states must legally transpose the directive by 4 January 2006. I plan to include the principal transposition provisions in the proposed building control Bill 2005, which is due to be published in mid-2005.

The directive provides for a longer period, up to 4 January 2009, for the practical implementation of more complex provisions. These provisions pertain to mandatory energy performance rating or "labelling" of newly constructed buildings and of existing buildings when they are sold or let; improvement of the energy efficiency of boilers; and mandatory inspection of air conditioning systems. Accordingly, the EU directive does not require that buildings under construction or commencing construction in 2005 must comply with the energy performance rating requirements.

An interdepartmental working group has drawn up a draft action plan for the implementation of the directive according to a proposed timetable. It provides for the development of an appropriate rating methodology and the training of auditors for building energy performance rating purposes. The working group comprises senior officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Sustainable Energy Ireland submitted a draft of the action plan, on behalf of the interdepartmental working group, for my approval on 7 December 2004. However, Sustainable Energy Ireland advised me on 21 January 2005 that a revised draft of the plan incorporating a revised timetable would be forwarded to me. I expect to receive the revised draft shortly.

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