Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs in co-operation with the European Union; the bulbs that have been banned to date and the wattages that are due to be prohibited in the medium and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15958/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under Commission Regulation (EC) 244/2009 on the ecodesign requirements for non-directional household lamps (lightbulbs), as amended by EU Regulation (EC) 859/2009, inefficient incandescent lightbulbs are being phased out throughout the EU on a staged basis from 1st September 2009. They are being replaced by more energy efficient alternatives such as new improved halogen lightbulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LEDs. The aim of the Regulation is to save energy, to reduce CO2 emissions and to help consumers save money in lower electricity bills without the loss of functionality.

The calendar of the phase-out in the Regulation has been developed in a way to ensure that lamp manufacturers have the time to convert their incandescent bulb production lines to alternative improved lamp technologies.

There are 6 stages in the Regulation.

Stage 1 – 1st September 2009

Under Stage 1, which was effective from the 1st September 2009, the following lightbulbs were prohibited from being placed on the market within the E.U.

All clear glass bulbs 100 watts or over (except for those with an energy rating of 'C' or better)

All frosted bulbs (except CFLs and LEDs)

All clear bulbs in energy classes F & G.

Stage 2 – from 1st September 2010

Under Stage 2 of the Regulations, which commences on the 1st September 2010, all 75 W clear incandescent lamps will be phased out and there will be a requirement on manufacturers to provide certain product information to consumers.

Stage 3 – from 1st September 2011

Phase-out of 60 W clear incandescent lamps.

Stage 4 – from 1st September 2012

Phase-out of all remaining clear incandescent lamps (i.e. 40W and 25W).

Stage 5 – from 1st September 2013

Enhanced functionality requirements.

Stage 6 – from 1st September 2016

Raising the minimum level to B class for clear retrofit lamps.

Special cap halogens (R9 and G7) may remain at C class after 1 September 2016.

Further information on EU Regulation (EC) 244/ 2009 is available on the Department's website at http://www.entemp.ie/trade/environment/phasingoutofincandescentlightbulbs.htm and the website of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at www.powerofone.ie