Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Like my colleague, I thank the Chair and committee members for their consideration and questions. I assure members and the representatives from the Thatch Property Insurance Action Group in the Public Gallery and those watching online that we are working collaboratively and with a sense of urgency to address these issues. As I stated, we want to ensure that we keep the houses and other properties in good condition and to support their owners. We know they are doing a valuable job on behalf of the State in terms of our heritage assets. That is why the vernacular strategy is an important part of what we are trying to do across Government. I thank my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, and his team, as well as my own team. There is an incredible amount of work going into this and we are determined to ensure that people can enjoy the houses in which they live, including thatched houses, and celebrate them rather than see them as a challenge. I, too, am familiar with some of the fantastic thatched houses in Tipperary, such as in Cloneen. They are beautiful and a really important part of our landscape from all perspectives. I again thank the Chair and the committee for their consideration.

I agree with the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. This is a fantastic committee. It is democratic and welcome that members of the public can provide their input and have this level of engagement on issues of importance.