Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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Out of interest, I want to ask the delegates about their view on a job guarantee scheme. Is that question a bit broad? I have other questions that I have prepared but this matter arises from the conversation. Having listened to what Deputy Michael Healy-Ray said about the fuel allowance, we went into a fuel allowance conversation. On the few points made, I actually agree that retrofitting all the houses is required. We want people living in adequate housing. Generally when I get called to a house, I do not see black mould. It is that bad. I was speaking to a constituent today who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She wants to replace the range that she must have for decades with a stove, but the problem is that the authorities will not allow her to get a stove. They want her to move to oil but she says she can in no way afford that. Since it will take so long to retrofit some houses, some things may need to be done in that regard.

I wanted to say that because it is something that came up in my life today. Would anyone like to comment on those two issues?