Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Again, I appreciate the concerns raised by Senators. I give assurance that this section will be commenced, along with other sections of the Bill, as soon as possible this year. The volume of turf will be determined in the report. We are trying to achieve an average amount that a household would use. Notwithstanding turf use, a retrofitting programme is under way throughout the country. It is hoped, and it is the Government's objective, to reduce the use over time. We are trying to ensure we have an average amount of what a household might use and that is what we will achieve. We do not see a need to put that into the legislation. In taking on board the points raised by Senator Clonan, I consider there could be a way in which some of the suggestions he put forward, for instance, around guidelines, could be incorporated into the scope of a report. This may or may not be possible but we will look at it and follow up with officials in that regard. It is not something we see a need to put into legislation but we will certainly follow up on it, noting the concerns the Senator brought forward.