Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

That is correct. It was in 1973 or 1974. No rocket science is involved. I bring this to the Minister's attention to lead him gently into the area where the subconscious is pricked to the extent that he will suddenly become alert to the fact that there are many simple issues he can utilise to the benefit of the economy, the environment and the consumer.

The Minister referred in the past few days to energy-efficient light bulbs but I am not sure he has fully evaluated them. He should consider the following points. First, they are expensive, second, they do not show as much light as standard bulbs, third, they do not light up as quickly and, fourth, there might be a sting in the tail for the consumer. The Minister should be careful with regard to these bulbs. My point is that every energy conservation measure is good in its own way but it should also be cost-effective and the benefit to the consumer should be evaluated to ensure we always get the maximum.

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