Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I note that the Minister will bring a memorandum to the Cabinet regarding the methods through which he hopes to meet the demands of the new directive. It is claimed that every year until 2020, some 90,000 Irish homes will need significant energy upgrades if the country is to adhere to its legal obligations under the directive. In light of research indicating that fewer than 50,000 homes will undergo energy upgrades in 2012, Ireland may be unlikely to meet this target. Does the Minister believe we can comply with the terms of the directive in the absence of full implementation of the national energy retrofit programme? We all acknowledge the fiscal constraints but can he provide an indication of what can be done to put alternative financing in place?

Budget 2012 cut grants by an average of 35%. The total allocation in 2011 was €99 million but the figure decreased to €64.6 million in 2012. The Minister introduced a new method of categorising grants which discriminates against mid-terrace homes and apartments, which by their nature tend to be occupied by those on lower incomes.

It is clear that a shift in opinion towards energy efficiency is needed. How does the Minister believe the shift can be best achieved, when does he intend to bring the memorandum before the Cabinet and when does he expect a decision to be made by the Government? It is only at that point will be able to decide how to meet the demands of the directive.

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