Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, administers the workplaces efficiency fund as part of the better energy programme. The better energy programme is in line with the key criteria governing the Government's investment priorities and is consistent with the programme for Government objectives. It is also consistent with the Government's Action Plan for Jobs which includes specific actions to promote energy efficiency in businesses to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.

The Government has committed significant Exchequer funding of €76 million to the better energy programme in 2012, including €8 million to the workplaces efficiency fund.

The SEAI is promoting energy efficiency across all business sectors with specific supports for small and medium sized enterprises, SMEs, to assist them in saving energy and reducing energy costs. To date, approximately 2,000 SMEs have registered with SEAI. Each of these businesses has received advice and mentoring which generally involves a site visit and follow-up support from an energy adviser. This is a free service and I would urge all SMEs to avail of the advice and supports.

The SEAI programme for SMEs also provides tailored training packages to SMEs to suit their individual needs. SEAI provides a range of advice on technologies and relevant practical case studies through the programme.

Last year, the better energy workplaces programme successfully supported energy efficiency measures for many businesses and institutions across the country. Some 85 specific projects were completed across all sectors. The €11 million fund generated annual energy savings of €11 million and leveraged a further €34 million of investment in energy efficiency, representing an excellent return on investment for the Exchequer, real savings for the businesses themselves, and economic activity in its own right.

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