Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is underlined by the point that building regulations are performance based and technology neutral. There is nothing preventing new dwellings from including fireplaces or chimneys and it is possible to comply with building regulations when these are installed. That is pretty clear. We can send the Deputy a further note on that.

New rated homes are highly insulated and will retain heat for longer than traditional poorly insulated houses. There are also multiple benefits during normal operation of improved comfort, improved indoor air quality and carbon emissions reductions.

Local authorities, supported by the national emergency co-ordination group, are co-ordinating a local level a humanitarian assistance response to the needs of people who have significantly been impacted by the storm. More than 280 emergency response hubs have been set up in the counties most affected by service outages.

Emergency response hubs are assisting people with basic needs such as water, hot food, phone charging, broadband access and shower facilities. A key focus is ensuring the welfare of vulnerable or isolated people and making sure supports or resources are directed to where they are most needed.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae has made his point well and has outlined the difficulties that people in Kerry and right throughout the western seaboard are having. As he outlined, there were many people who were happy they had a stove of some sort that would heat water but it is pretty clear there in black and white that there is nothing required by the Department that says chimneys have to be removed or that they cannot be installed once they are compliant.

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