Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When does the Minister expect to have an announcement about a move on the area-based scheme? I would also like to draw his attention to the recent recommendations of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in this area. It has highlighted the importance of retrofitting the social housing stock in the coming years such that resources are available for local authorities to reach a BER of B2 or higher by 2030. It has also noted the need for new community energy advisers who would work in partnership with the SEAI to reach those households. That could benefit most from the energy efficiency schemes. Support for local authorities will be essential in any new initiatives to be introduced to reach the most at-risk households. There needs to be greater engagement with local authorities. A recommendation from the Joint Committee on Climate Action was the establishment of a one-stop shop in each local authority to engage in outreach and to act as a repository for information for local communities.

See this speech in context