Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have been interested in the significant number of over-and-back exchanges and the conversation in respect of this issue. Even from Government benches, there has been an acceptance that there is a need to look at this scheme. As is the case with every scheme, it is about seeing what works and what does not. I echo what my colleagues said in that what we wanted was a scheme that was more graduated. It seems that the serious advantages will be for those who can afford to put money on the table. That will not apply to a significant number of people at this time because people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis -and the cost of absolutely everything - and that relates to the cost of housing and renting. Many have said that renters have been left out of this scheme. We accept that steps need to be taken in the correct direction on climate change and reducing emissions. People want to live in houses that are cheaper to heat. Everybody accepts and wants that. We welcome how people can improve their homes incrementally and that a second visit will not be required, which is a definite improvement.

I refer to the attic and insulation issue. That is something we welcome but we need to look at it further. I know a significant number of people who would have difficulty. Sometimes it comes down to windows and doors. People are coming at this from different places. I would like to think that considerable work is being done to ensure that we will have people with the necessary skill sets, that individuals are being trained, that we are considering where and when we will need them and that the actions required will be carried out.

In Dundalk, we have major housing maintenance difficulties and an insufficient budget. We need to revisit this issue. It may require communication between the Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We need to look at regeneration schemes that have been shelved. We need to facilitate local authorities in carrying out more retrofitting. We must also look at where we can get the best bang for our buck and what exactly we are trying to achieve, because sometimes deep retrofits are not necessary. In some cases they are required. Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community has stated that previous works it carried out on many buildings would not fit the current criteria, although it provided substantial improvements. We need to look at and reassess these issues.

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