Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the commitment contained under the environment heading in the Programme for Government to require the public sector to lead the way on energy efficiency with a mandatory programme of efficiency measures including the sole use of energy efficient lighting and heating in offices, schools and hospitals and other public buildings to produce 33% energy savings by 2020; the steps being taken to achieve this target, in schools for example, in view of the briefing document prepared for the Minister for Education and Science that highlighted school buildings in poor condition and the high prevalence of prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27564/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government has set a target of achieving 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy by 2020 and to demonstrate its commitment to achieving this goal, has a further target of achieving 33% saving on energy use across the public sector, also by 2020.

I published a draft national energy efficiency action plan for public consultation towards the end of 2007. The draft plan sets out the measures proposed to meet the 20% target. We also propose to establish a Public Sector Energy Efficiency Working Group to drive collective delivery of the 33% public sector target. My Department is currently finalising the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan in light of the consultative process and ongoing developments at EU level. I intend to publish the plan in the autumn.

A key part of the initial work of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Group will be to quantify the extent of existing energy efficiency initiatives within public sector bodies, share experience of best practice, coordinate action and most importantly develop and implement the detailed measures for achievement of the 33% public sector target, including performance indicators.

The energy savings potential will vary from one public sector body to another but every public sector body will be expected to contribute significantly to meeting the Government's ambitious global target of 33%. This will require a galvanising of all players across the public sector.

In relation to schools, the Minister for Education and Science has already taken a number of initiatives. Ireland's performance in the area of low energy school building design has been recognised at both national and international level. The Department of Education and Science is also developing an information technology project, in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, aimed at helping existing schools to improve their energy efficiency. Schools will be able to conduct an online energy audit of their buildings and energy usage. They will then receive information and advice on reducing their energy use, tailored to their specific circumstances. The system is expected to be completed later this year.