Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

If we are looking at outputs and outcomes in the context of energy use, as I said earlier there is quite a strong focus on retrofitting, but it is a lot more costly, more invasive and much slower than solar. One could install solar on a roof in a matter of one or two days and that can reduce energy use by up to 40%. In parallel, one could do a retrofit which could take months, cost an average of between €60,000 and €70,000 and only reduce energy use by 40%. Why is there such a focus on retrofitting? Should that focus be changed now so that there is more of an emphasis on solar? Solar technology has improved and the cost of installation has improved. Should we be seeing a switch in our focus? Dr. Byrne made reference to €240 million for retrofitting this year. My understanding is that the budget for solar is €14 million. Is that correct?