Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I direct it to the representatives of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland as it relates to energy and energy efficiency.

In the context of a code of practice that was mentioned, Deputy Coffey asked who would be defined as a competent person. The witnesses said such a code is being drawn up. When it is expected it will be available?

On the question of architects versus builders signing off on a development - this relates to the building regulations. We had a debate at a meeting of this committee on who is responsible in that context. An architect is responsible for drawing up the plans and giving them to the builders to ensure the work is carried out, but it is the responsibility of the inspector who carries out the inspection of the development to sign off on it, not that of the architect. That is my view, having regard to the person doing the work and the contractor.

Deputy Murphy suggested there should be liaison between the authorities. The Planning and Development Act 2001 provides that builders, or rogue developers as we would term some of them, who do not perform in one county should not be allowed to perform in another country but a local authority has to take a High Court action to ensure that. It should be made mandatory that one local authority would report to the other in this respect and there should be a striking-off mechanism for such developers or a second strike against them in this respect and they would be out of the equation. The current provision is cumbersome. It is not the witnesses' duty but ours, as legislators, to deal with this matter. This matter raised by Deputy Murphy is one area where we are falling down.

On the nearly zero energy building, NZEB, targets for 2020 that will apply for commercial buildings in 2018 and for residential buildings in 2020, are we on target to reach those? If the witnesses were to say that we are, that may be due to the fact that no new buildings are being constructed now or, if that is not the reason, they might indicate the position. I welcome the new regime of building standards enforcement.

Deputy Stanley commented on timber-framed structures and the witness's response in that respect was negative. I agree with the witness on that. However, it has been proven that timber-framed houses, if built correctly, can be the most energy efficient houses. We should not brand all timber-framed houses as negative.

The authority in its report refers to a cost optimal methodology and to an obligation on member states in that respect. The witnesses might elaborate on that. One of the Deputies congratulated the authority on the training it provides to educate people in this area. I will not mention the smart meters as they gave an answer on that. Is there a facility to train people who do DIY in their homes on, for example, fitting wrap-around insulation and that type of work?

The Oireachtas and the Seanad are organising an associated conference in the EU on sustainable energy and energy efficiency. While it is only in the pipeline it has been agreed it will be held in April or May and in advance of it I can advise that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will be invited to it. The authority is doing a very good job and I advise it to keep up the good work.