Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I thank the Chairman. I am in my office on the campus. It has probably been asked in many different ways but I wanted to ask again about the SEAI and the oversight and standards we need to have to ensure we meet the standards required in retrofitting. When I asked a question of SEAI representatives some weeks ago I was assured its rating system after retrofitting was up to scratch. Maybe our present guests will comment on what kind of oversight we could have that would improve our knowledge of this and ability to check the standards are correct.

My second question is brief. I think it was Dr. Kinnane who said we have one of the highest rates of vacancy in the whole of Europe. Would he like to comment on why he thinks that is? Do other jurisdictions take a much more interventionist approach and attitude to vacant property and dereliction? Should we insist on a more interventionist approach in this State?