Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and the Government on the recent announcement of the new package in regard to heat insulation and retrofitting of houses. I would like the Acting Leader to invite the Minister to this House as a matter of urgency to discuss that package. Many people will not be able to avail of the deep retrofit, but I know many of them could carry it out over a timeframe of four or five years. For example, they could over time insulate their attics and have solar panels and heat pumps installed but they need a plan that would give them a breather to carry out that deep retrofit over five or so years. While the one-stop-shops are a good idea and they will deliver the message spelled out by the Government, the plan needs to provide for flexibility such that people can carry out the retrofit over a period of time. Deep retrofit of 500,000 homes over the next couple of years will bring enormous benefit. It will bring great comfort to many people in terms of where they live.I very much welcome the package and I ask the Acting Leader to arrange a debate in the House at the earliest opportunity.