Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 929: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has an estimate of the savings in the economy that could be made in terms of gas and electricity consumption if summer time daylight hours were introduced some weeks earlier than at present; and if he has an estimate of the carbon emissions that could be saved if summer time daylight hours were introduced some weeks earlier than at present.. [12239/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The timing of summertime daylight hours is one of very many factors influencing energy usage among consumers. It is difficult to quantify its effects in isolation, as daylight savings have both positive and negative impacts. It is therefore not possible to give the estimates sought in the Deputy's question.

My Department, together with Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and Sustainable Energy Ireland, are engaged in ongoing research on the many factors that influence consumer energy behaviour. Information on consumer behaviour is used in the design of programmes and campaigns such as Power of One, to encourage more efficient use of energy that both saves money for consumers and reduces carbon emissions.