Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether heating insulation in new dwellings is at an acceptable standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13421/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations 2002 and the related Technical Guidance Document L (2002 Edition) came into effect on 1 January 2003 and set significantly higher insulation levels and thermal performance standards for new dwellings. Part L was amended, with effect from 1 July 2006, to provide for an overall limit on carbon dioxide emissions from dwellings, in accordance with requirements of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC).

My Department has initiated a further review of Part L as part of Ireland's Climate Change Strategy. It is intended that the upgraded standards will come into effect in 2008 and will improve energy efficiency of new Irish homes by 40% relative to current standards.