Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Stockil very much indeed for the answer. This is a very important point going forward. It is very important to target the private sector, but it is very important that we start getting training done in the public sector.

I will go to the SEAI. I thank our guests. In terms of the SEAI's statements and decarbonisation roadmap, it has highlighted the retrofit programmes that are basically serving industry and the private and public sectors as well. We have a definite skill shortage. What programmes is the SEAI looking at in terms of trying to deliver value for money within the retrofitting programme? The retrofitting programme is actually not working for the simple reason that people can go to a private contractor and get a retrofitting quotation, even for a deep retrofit, at about maybe €60,000 or €70,000. When it is done through the retrofitting programme, it is coming out at approximately €120,000. Unfortunately, it seems to be that for people who are applying to the programme, the cost that the State is being charged in terms of grants is way higher than would be charged if the work was being done as a private arrangement with a homeowner. I accept that it is probably not the same for industry in the public sector, but just for the private sector.