Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Sustainable Energy Ireland has changed to Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland; the cost of implementing this change including all rebranding and advertising costs; and the full process involved in this change. [14076/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Sustainable Energy Act 2002 provided for the establishment of "Sustainable Energy Ireland – The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland". The renaming of Sustainable Energy Ireland as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in the context of recent launch of the Authority's new five year strategy for the period 2010-2015, fully respects for the first time the body's statutory title and remit. The sustainable energy agenda is pivotal to the Government's energy policy objectives and to the sustainable economic renewal. It is appropriate and timely to acknowledge SEAI's central role in delivering on our ambitious objectives for energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate change and a de-carbonised energy system.

The design of the new brand for SEAI is closely modelled on the old marquee, with the aim of ensuring continuity and minimising costs. All existing printed materials will continue to be used until stocks are exhausted. The costs associated with the name change have been kept to an absolute minimum, with the total direct costs of the change amounting to €33,305 inclusive of VAT. The costs include the design of the revised brand marque and its application to building signage and stationery. SEAI only engages in advertising in pursuit of specific programme objectives including stimulating programme participation, promoting energy efficiencies awareness or providing technical advice, as distinct from organisational advertising. No advertising costs as such have been incurred in the name change.