John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 111 and 116 together.

The potential savings from the introduction of an energy efficiency standard for lighting are based on emissions attributable to lighting in the residential sector. Sustainable Energy Ireland figures indicate that approximately 18%, or 1,323 gigawatt hours, of electricity use in the residential sector was accounted for by domestic lighting in 2004, equivalent to 860,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Given that modern compact fluorescent lamps typically use only 20% of the energy consumption of their incandescent alternatives, this indicates that savings of the order of 700,000 tonnes per annum could be achieved from domestic lighting if incandescent lamps are fully replaced in all domestic light fittings.

To put this into perspective, 700,000 tonnes is equivalent to 1% of annual emissions at present, so it is clear that the proposed measure could make a significant contribution to the Government's target of an annual average reduction of 3% in greenhouse gas emissions. It will also mean very big savings for households, as the longer lifespan and lower running cost of the CFL bulbs far outweigh their higher initial cost.

I intend shortly to establish an interdepartmental group representative of relevant Departments and agencies to advise me on the technical basis on which a standard should be developed, any requirements in EU legislation with which I must comply and the potential impacts of the proposal on specific groups. I intend to consult fully on any proposed standard, including with the European Commission, prior to finalising the measure.

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