Mr. Se?n Armstrong:

The Deputy is absolutely correct that ventilation to reduce the risks to people's health from mould is key. Energy efficiency works make a dwelling warmer and thereby reduce the risk of mould growth. One of the key things in the building regulations and in SR 54, which was developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, is the need for adequate ventilation in dwellings when they are being retrofitted. There is clear guidance in the standards for retrofitting that ventilation should be assessed and provided as part of the retrofit. It is an essential part of retrofitting.

Ventilation is also provided for in the retrofit of local authority housing. It is a key element of schemes. In the standards for private rented properties, there are provisions to ensure adequate ventilation in dwellings. The advisors in the building standards and communications sections of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage developed a guidance document for the layperson on appropriate ventilation in dwellings, which is available on our website. We have circulated that document widely. We also made a video with the University of Galway about the importance of ventilation. That is available on our website. Ventilation is provided for in the standards for retrofit and in the standards for local authority retrofit. It is funded in local authority retrofitting.

We have had a communication document and video on it. We see it as a key part of the energy efficiency retrofit programmes that are in place. We would also refer to the NSAI SR54 standard, which also requires ventilation in dwellings when they are being retrofitted.