Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions which have taken place between his Department and the house builder representative bodies regarding energy saving mechanisms for new house builds. [16693/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Views from the house building industry on proposals to improve the energy performance of new dwellings are generally secured by means of an open and transparent public consultation process.

In 2001, the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA) submitted comments on draft proposals to amend Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations so as to prescribe stricter thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings. The Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB), which includes a nominee of the CIF, was also consulted on the draft Part L proposals. The amending Part L Regulations came into operation on 1 January 2003.

In 2005, the IHBA submitted comments to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) on the draft Action Plan to implement the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive [2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002] in Ireland. I expect to approve the definitive Action Plan within the coming weeks.