John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

——and it was an enormous success. People said it could not be done but it was done. Believe it or not Deputy, I consulted the Minister, Deputy Martin, on this issue and we had a long meeting on it.

The Deputy raised the issue of the cost of the bulbs. One CFL bulb can save €170 over the lifetime of a bulb. The cost of the bulbs are reducing all the time. By the time we introduce this measure, many of these bulbs will be in use. The bulbs will be available. Offers are being made now in regard to them. I do not accept that the use of these bulbs would involve a disproportionate cost for the poorer sections of the community. I understand the Deputy's concerns, but I believe this measure will be introduced on target, that the target is achievable and that this is an exciting initiative.

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