Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on recent media reports that the implementation of the Energy Performance in Building Directive will be delayed due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16594/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the report referred to in the Question which could have conveyed the impression that the introduction of energy performance certificates for new dwellings with effect from 1 January 2007 might be delayed by a shortage of building energy assessors. I have no reason to believe that this will be the case.

It is estimated that up to 2,000 building professionals will have to be trained as building energy assessors, on a phased basis, for the BER certification of both new and existing buildings by 2009. I understand that Sustainable Energy Ireland has entered into discussions with relevant educational, professional and training interests, with a view to establishing and delivering the necessary training. The first phase of this training is planned to take place in the second half of this year.

In late 2005, I made amending Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) Building Regulations which provide the legal basis for the introduction of a building energy performance methodology for new dwellings, whereby performance will be measured according to the annual volume of CO2 emissions generated by heating dwellings. This will apply to new dwellings commencing on or after 1 July 2006; with a transitional exemption of new dwellings for which planning permission is applied for on or before 30 June 2006 provided substantial work has been completed by 30 June 2008. This will provide a platform for the introduction of a building energy rating (BER) system, based on this performance, with effect from 1 January 2007.

I will shortly publish the 2006 edition of Technical Guidance Document L on how to comply with the amended Part L. This will be followed by the publication by SEI of software to help designers and builders to produce building energy ratings based on the new methodology.