Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I note the Minister's response, but I also ask him to recognise that the Opposition has been fairly magnanimous with regard to this Bill as it bears little resemblance to its original appearance at birth. It has changed dramatically in the intervening period and the Opposition has done its best to accommodate the Minister when he found himself in a quandary. We have accepted recommittal and allowed the redrafting of the entire Bill. I urge the insertion of the word "Regulation" as this word is an integral part of the Bill's purpose and this should be clearly stated in the Title of the Bill. It would be more descriptive of the Bill's purpose and would be the natural reference point for all those involved in the provision of energy facilities, whether that be gas, electricity or ordinary heating of public buildings or dwelling houses, as another amendment will propose.

The Bill regulates the area of efficiency and that is to be welcomed, but those regulations lay down certain criteria and guidelines which need to be followed to achieve particular standards. I suggest the Bill could be titled a miscellaneous standards or provisions Bill or the word "Regulation" could be inserted. This would introduce the need for the commission and the Minister, in conjunction with the commission, to be in full control of the regulatory system.

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