Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to this motion. We seem to speak often on energy in the Seanad which is probably a good thing because it exercises our minds and will continue to do so in the coming years. We had a major debate on the topic last week. The more debates we have on the topic the better. I commend the motion tabled by the Independent Group, although we have tabled an amendment to it. We are all trying to achieve the same end and move towards better regulations, better insulation of houses and so on.

The Government continues to propose challenges and co-ordinate actions to move towards sustainable energy and to bring Ireland into line with the Kyoto Protocol. While there are difficulties with those at the moment we are running in the right direction. The strength of the economy, which the Government continues to build and maintain, and an increasing housing sector entail a greater demand for energy than ever. That will grow in the future.

The Government continues to seek solutions to strike the balance between development and energy conservation. It is committed to introducing a rating label for all houses which will be implemented following the EU directive on energy performance and buildings. From 2007 houses will require an energy performance label to improve energy performance and awareness of energy efficiency. The draft action plan to implement this directive envisages the introduction of a building energy rating for new dwellings from 1 January 2007, for other new buildings from 1 January 2008, and for existing dwellings and other existing buildings when offered for sale or rental with effect from 1 January 2009. The Government has also introduced several grant schemes to promote sustainable energy in the housing sector.

I have met many people in my constituency recently and, amazingly, I am learning from them about their innovations to promote energy efficiency in their houses. Some months ago I received an extraordinary e-mail from somebody in County Mayo who had studied energy efficiency in his mother's house. He decided that if he put a small windmill onto her house, it would pay for itself within two to four years and after that her energy bills would be halved. This would ensure that fossil fuels were not being overused. His plan, however, ran into various difficulties because he discovered he needed planning permission for the windmill which was smaller than the satellite dishes on houses. He could not go ahead with the plan. We need to examine that issue and promote such innovative thinking.

The greener homes grant scheme offers assistance to home owners who intend to purchase new renewable energy heating systems for new or existing homes. It is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland and aims to increase the use of sustainable energy technologies within Irish homes. It has already attracted approximately 8,000 grant applications since its introduction last March.

The house of tomorrow grant scheme provides funding to developers to encourage them to design and construct clusters of energy efficient houses. Projects integrating renewable energy features will be given preference. The Government welcomes the suggestion from the Opposition to work more closely with local authorities to develop planning permissions with energy and insulation standards to help bring Ireland in line with the Kyoto Protocol.

I saw a new housing development in Waterford recently, comprising affordable and local authority housing, where solar panels have been built into the roofs. Local authorities making efforts such as this should be encouraged.

I reject the claim that there is an attempt to transfer all responsibility to the citizen. To be successful in reaching the environmental targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol it is necessary to implement a programme that involves consultation and co-operation with all stakeholders. The Power of One campaign promotes awareness of energy efficiency and is based on the concept that each of us contributes to making a difference. The Government believes that through collective responsibility we can tackle environmental challenges. Each of us has an obligation to the next generation to create sustainable energy for the future. We are finally making great strides in this area, and although we must traverse a long path, we are moving in the right direction. I commend the Government's actions and commend the amendment to the House.