Mr. Seán Armstrong:

I may be able to give some clarification. There is a perception that Part L prevents the installation of fireplaces and chimneys. If there is an underground, vent it is possible to install a stove in a building with a chimney and it has a marginal effect on the energy performance of the building which can be compensated by other elements of the building. As a result, it is possible. One often hears casually that Part L prevents the installation of chimneys and fires; that is not correct. It can still be installed as a secondary heating source in a building. The Central Statistics Office analysis of BER data for new buildings has regularly shown that 98% of new dwellings achieve an A rating, which is roughly in compliance with Part L.

The Deputy may or may not have been looking at one-off houses. In many one-off houses we are aware that heat pumps have increased in the installation. Heat pumps, obviously, do not need chimneys and can be installed as the primary heating.