Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy asked a number of questions and I will do my best to answer them in the two minutes available. On retrofitting, the built and archaeological adaptation plan helps reduce the vulnerability of built and archaeological heritage against climate change. On the funding the retrofitting of heritage buildings, we are piloting a scheme this year to allow local authorities to grant aid maintenance and minor repair works as part of the built heritage investment scheme in order to build resilience in our historic buildings to climate impacts. Action 50 of the climate action plan aims to enable the roll-out of deep retrofit - it is called near-zero energy buildings - and also new technology installations. However, my Department is not tasked with retrofitting heritage buildings directly under the plan, but rather with leading the development of it.

The Deputy also spoke about the adaptation of built heritage. I mentioned piloting a scheme this year to allow local authorities to grant aid maintenance and minor repair. The national development plan was developed in concert with the national planning framework, which should be of assistance. That recognises the crucial importance of balanced regional development, and clustered and compact growth.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is a general rule of Government that no insurance should be effected against the risk of any loss which, if it arose, would fall wholly and directly on public funds. This is based on the understanding that the risks for which the Government is liable are innumerable and widely distributed and that losses maturing in any one year are never so large as to materially disturb the financial position of the year so that it is cheaper in the long term for the Exchequer to carry its own insurance. The local authorities purchase insurance in certain instances, such as for public employers, motor and property insurance. I think we also spoke about biodiversity. I do not really have much time.

Regarding the Gaeltacht, we have Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta, which is a network of innovation and digital hubs, being developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta in locations throughout the Gaeltacht. I appreciate the Acting Chairman's patience.

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