Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The questions are addressed to both groups. The energy efficiency aspect is aimed at the SEAI and the policy perspective is addressed to the officials from the Department.

I was a member of a local authority for many years. I do not think my local authority is alone in this regard but my perception is that enforcement of building and planning legislation and regulation is negligible. It seems to be an add-on. Invariably, the only enforcement that takes place is of easy targets and anything more difficult always seems to be avoided. There is a resource issue. Direction must come from the top that enforcement sections within local authorities must be properly manned by staff who know how to make a case forensically that will not fall flat when they go to court, which I have witnessed happening as well.