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

Our Department circulated information on that core group of 320-odd thatched property owners to other thatched property owners to encourage wider membership and participation in the scheme. On the Cathaoirleach's second question, which was what we would say to the petitioner if she were here today, what we have outlined today represents significant progress since we were here last year. We hope the industry will respond positively. The supports we are putting in place show a deep commitment on the part of Government to resolving this issue and making the ownership of our thatched heritage viable for people. That is critically important. We want families to continue to live in them. They should not just be features of our landscape but important homes for people. People and businesses make a deep commitment when they choose to buy, restore or live in a thatched property. From that perspective, we have made significant progress through the collaboration between our Departments and we will continue to do so. Our Department launched a vernacular strategy in 2021 and the actions in that strategy back up what we are trying to achieve for our thatched properties across the country.