Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent research which suggests that ordinary light bulbs may be more economical than compact florescent lights; his view on such research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40500/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department is not aware of any research which suggests that basic incandescent tungsten filament light bulbs may be more economical than compact fluorescent lights. I would be happy to receive details of any such research.

While cost considerations are important in the context of the standard which I propose to introduce for tungsten filament incandescent bulbs, the national objective is to ensure energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the impact of compact florescent lights on persons with migraine, epilepsy and other conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40501/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A public consultation document on the proposed energy efficiency and performance standard for light bulbs has been published on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. It provides an opportunity for individuals to identify matters in relation to implementation of the proposed standard, including any issues on the use of compact fluorescent lamps. The proposed standard will not require the use of compact fluorescent lamps and the consultation document notes that tungsten halogen bulbs, which will also meet the standard, do not appear to give rise to the types of issue identified in the question. The consultation process closes on 14 November next and its outcome, and the summary of the responses received, will be published on my Department's website in due course.