Mr. Robert Deegan:

This is a problem that is seen all over the world, with rented properties not as energy efficient as others. An advisory group was established in 2018 to consider the best ways of improving efficiency in the rented sector.

The objective of the group is to identify the appropriate policy interventions while keeping in mind any potential adverse impact on the supply of rented accommodation, because that is the absolute last thing we would want in the constrained housing environment that exists. The group will be publishing a public consultation paper in the coming months - definitely before the end of the year and probably in the next month or two. The intention is that this would feed into the discussions around how we can tackle the efficiency of rented properties without diminishing the supply of rental accommodation.