Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions as we will prepare a report on this area. We are moving to much new technology in the construction industry. Because of the lack of skilled trades that we have here, a deficit we are trying to address, we have moved to off-site technology to offset the current time lag in construction. What technologies are the Department and the SEAI considering to fast-track the construction of homes and commercial developments, and perhaps offset some of the labour required? Mr. Armstrong made a key point about career pathways for people in this industry. They need to know that there is certainty up to 2050, that there is a career pathway for them, and that there is longevity in this industry as opposed to the cyclical process we have seen in recent years. How do we market that in a proper manner, not just in Ireland but beyond?

We have had a number of conversations especially on the cost of construction with various stakeholders who have appeared before the committee. We had a very interesting discussion on universal design, which might add 3% to the cost but that would be offset later in that person's lifetime.

I know the Department has done considerable work on standard design and construction. I am seeing considerable variance in that, however, especially in social housing delivery. We are often criticised because of the four-stage process in the Department. However, I think that is teasing through a lot of design that is not required in housing and that would cause additional cost in the outlay. Does a house need a stove to be put in even if it is a pellet stove? Does a house need a stove with an A1 or A2 rating, or is that just vanity? It is not just the cost of the stove, but also the cost of the labour required, the cost of the chimney installed and the cost of what is provided outside such as coal storage or wood pellet storage. Is there a requirement for that?

On new technologies, I read an interesting article yesterday about solar panel windows. Are there case studies where that has been used especially in commercial development? What other new technologies are coming down the line of which we are not aware?

We look at regulations every five years. Is that too long? Should it be done annually? I know the construction industry needs to get certainty and we cannot keep moving the goalposts. Given that the industry is moving so fast, would every year be more suitable?

How can we benchmark against the UK's renewable heat incentive, RHI, scheme and heat pumps? There is an ongoing maintenance cost involved. When it goes wrong it can be really expensive. I say that as somebody who converted to heat pumps and heat-recovery systems a long time ago and I completely believe in it. There is no going back from that but there is a maintenance cost to it. Does Mr. Armstrong have an estimate of that cost?