John Whelan (Labour)

I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill before the House. I commend my colleagues across the floor for some interesting contributions and pay tribute to the Minister for his open-mindedness and consideration in these matters. It is not a contentious Bill but important housework in tidying up many loose ends in the area. The Minister mentioned the standard of builds. Whatever about retrofitting old buildings and houses that are ten to 20 years old, it is a matter of concern that houses that have been built in the past decade have had such deficiencies and failings in the area of energy conservation and efficiency. I am aware the Minister and his colleague in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are working on introducing measures to ensure the standards set out are implemented. The standard to which some houses were built and the prices charged are not reflected in the quality of work.

Senator Barrett raised many issues that may be uncomfortable for us and that we may not wish to hear. I am a big fan of renewable energy and green technology but we must examine their merits and cost-effectiveness. On the last day we heard that the nuclear option has not been ruled out even though the issue raises the hackles of many people, including me, who protested at Carnsore many years ago.

I thank the Minister and members for their constructive contributions.