John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The Deputy is well aware of them and I have outlined them a number of times, but I will go through them again if the Deputy so wishes. With regard to energy, we have the renewable energy electricity tariff support scheme, which is facilitating the connection of more renewable energy to the national grid. It will enable Ireland to meet its EU target to generate 13.2% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010. Ireland has set more ambitious national targets of 15% by 2010 and 33% by 2020. There is a target of 30% co-firing of biomass and peat stations, which will reduce the emissions impact of burning peat by using carbon-neutral renewable sources.

The bio-energy action plan provides the basis for Ireland to maximise the benefit of our bio-energy resources in transport, heat and electricity markets. The energy efficiency action plan, which is being finalised by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, aims to achieve a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020, with a 33% improvement in the public sector.

We have also considered the commercial bio-heat programme in the business sector, which provides grants to assist the commercial and services sector switch to wood-chip or wood pellet heating systems, replacing at least 60 million litres of heating oil per year.

Sustainable Energy Ireland provides a range of supports for small and medium enterprises to assess their energy usage and introduce measures to enhance energy efficiency. The Deputy is well aware that I introduced new building regulations, which will reduce energy use by 40% on current standards and a further increase in energy efficiency standards is planned for 2010. As the Deputy knows, I will be aiming for zero emissions by 2016.

In the transport sector, we are looking at technological improvements in vehicles and there is the introduction of a new VRT and motor tax system based on CO2 emissions.

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