Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

The question of grants has been raised. In the context of the amendments the Government has not been forthcoming. The Minister has made vague references to what he might do. He said he will examine the matter in 2013. The issue is causing huge concern. If people do not have the wherewithal to upgrade, the issue of grants will concern them. The Government has used the National Pensions Reserve Fund to bail out the banks and so on. We should look to the European Investment Bank which loans money at low interest rates and wants to invest in small and large infrastructural projects. Its funding could stimulate local building industries, while helping householders, local authorities and the Government to sort out the problem of pollution in rural areas.

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