Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When the officials handed me the committee's report on embodied carbon, I looked at the recommendations. The second recommendations contains the phrase "that the Department prioritise the preparatory work for measuring embodied carbon to ensure that once EU proposals are agreed there won’t be delays". I like things to be measured. It is the accountant in me. Our Department, as the Deputy is probably aware, has already commenced work with the SEAI to put in place the embodied carbon framework for 1 January 2028 in respect of new buildings with areas of more than 2,000 sq. m., and for new residential buildings from 1 January 2030.

This declaration of global warming potential will be included in the building energy rating certificate. Significant work is required to establish a certified materials database and accounting framework for embodied carbon and the development of software and training of assessors. My Department is working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, to put these systems in place in accordance with the proposed energy performance of buildings directive and the construction products regulation. The energy performance of buildings directive is due to be adopted.

Based on industry figures 48% of new housing is currently built using timber methods under the Housing for All. It is a key initiative. We know where the Deputy is coming from and the intent is well acknowledged but we take the view that the question here is whether the amendment is trying to change building standards through primary legislation when in fact we see this as a measure through building control standards. We have a different view overall, in the context of the climate action plan itself, and the measures. We are going to go back but it is a fundamental difference of view.