Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I spoke about this measure yesterday during the Second Stage debate. My comments are not just on the amendment under discussion but also on a number of others tabled related to provisions in this section. I agree with colleagues who have said the measure is very good and beneficial. I do not believe some of the comments to the effect that is has been put in place just to bring people out of the black economy. Many people want to work with a proper contractor so they will have a guarantee if there is a difficulty with the work. Therefore, the measure is very good and necessary. It will be of great support to the construction sector.

I have concerns, which I raised with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, yesterday. I ask that the incentive be kept under review to ensure it achieves its objective, which is to improve the overall housing stock. This is necessary, particularly to achieve thermal efficiency and also to provide much-needed jobs within the construction sector. In this sector, a significant number of former employees are on the live register. We know from studies that they are not amenable, as a group, to retraining so as to enter the IT sector, for example. We are losing capacity in the construction sector at an unacceptable level for an economy of our size.

My concern is to ensure that the measure is efficient. The scheme needs to be reviewed after a period to ensure it achieves its objective. I ask the Minister to consider extending it, however. As currently drafted, it applies only to the main residence of the applicant. One in five families is living in private rented accommodation. The standard of much rental accommodation is far from desirable. The figures for 2011, the most recent year for which we have figures, show that one third of all properties inspected were found to fall below the minimum standards set down by law. I ask that the measure be extended to dwellings other than owner-occupied ones, including dwellings in the private rental sector.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has raised serious concerns, as has Threshold, particularly on fuel poverty. There are renovations in addition to those in question that can be written off against tax. However, this relief is different and would encourage certain individuals who cannot avail of other tax measures to renovate their dwellings. I ask the Minister to consider this.