Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is very welcome. My other concern is that as we know, people get very confused by the different types of grants on offer. I am concerned about the communication. The scheme, for example, is offering a payment of 80% of the cost of doing simple works such as attic or cavity wall insulation. These latter grants mean these jobs will only cost approximately €300 each but together could knock approximately 20% off the annual heating bill. Again, people have been ringing me about that. Many people will probably still opt to go directly to a contractor for smaller jobs even though the one-stop shop will offer the expertise and skills needed for deeper retrofits.

Can the Minister tell me more about the options for smaller jobs that perhaps homeowners would like to take on themselves without a contractor? Can they do that? Can we ensure there will be no price hikes? We have seen with contractors how things have gone with premiums and prices. We cannot afford to have prices go higher. That again is a huge issue about which people have contacted me. I welcome this. It really is so important with energy costs and fuel bills. At this stage, however, we need to make sure the information is correct.

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