Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

A heat pump operates most efficiently at a narrow-operating delta-T temperature range and would be very inefficient and costly to operate in such a home. A demand-response heating system, such as oil or gas boilers, would be much more effective.

Under the current rules it can be practically impossible to obtain window energy performance certification for bespoke wooden sash windows. It can often be impossible to verify that the savings made under the current rules of the building energy rating system, even when the homeowner has installed the best available components in line with architecturally sensitive practice. It is not simply a matter of the market responding to this demand either. By its nature, bespoke or craft windows and door manufacturing is undertaken by one-man bands who do not have the resources to file for certification in accredited laboratories. As windows dominate the front-facing facades of these types of buildings, this is a major issue.

If the Minister insists on pushing through this legislation this evening, I would want some reassurance for those who own pre-1963 properties that he will put in place a form of compensation for the homeowners affected, perhaps by means of grant aid or something of that nature. I ask the Minister to accept the amendment. I would not ordinarily be a great supporter of the landlord class, as the Minister knows, but in this case I can see that the Bill is flawed and needs to be dealt with on that matter.