Ms Clare O'Connor:

I will comment on rental properties versus owner-occupied properties. There are really stark comments from the ICS about how important it is that we bring rental properties up to standard. We really need to see minimum BERs from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage so we ask that the committee raises that with the Department when it appears before the committee.

I commend An Cathaoirleach, who introduced the warmth and well-being scheme a couple of years ago. That was a hugely progressive measure in terms of retrofitting. When we speak to any of our colleagues across the EU, they always ask where the warmth and well-being scheme is or what has happened to it because it is best practice with regard to how we can address energy poverty and bring down emissions. It is unfortunate that we have not seen the analysis of it for so long. We are waiting on that as well. Once we can see the data that shows it has been really impactful, we will fully support the roll-out of that across the country because that is proactive and State-led and does not rely on people who are really struggling having to find out information about the grant and apply for it. It is best practice.