Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

Will the Minister provide a progress report on the implementation of the requirement for a building energy rating certificate for new buildings for sale or rent and for public buildings? Have conveyancing solicitors been informed of the requirements? Are there plans for an awareness campaign aimed at the public? The indications are that there is a lack of awareness of the new regulations among both conveyancing solicitors and the general public.

Has the Minister any information on the enforcement by local authorities of the legal requirements in their notifications of grant of permission? Will public buildings be able to comply with the requirements? A timeframe has been given such that by January 2009, all public buildings are expected to be in compliance. However, there are concerns as to whether there will be sufficient numbers of competently trained assessors to undertake the methodology outlined and to provide the certificates. I understand training is to commence in September 2008 to increase the numbers. Will that be sufficient to ensure all public buildings will be in compliance?