Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that detailed response. I welcome that there will be new guidance this September. A question arises about what will be offered through the one-stop shop – currently, it is only to a B2 standard – and the retrofitting community is wondering whether it is possible to bring some of the older houses to B2 or whether a lower standard would be acceptable.

Another issue stands out, which I hope will be resolved in September’s document. The Minister of State made two comments, the first of which was that energy-efficient upgrade solutions were needed for, for example, stone or brick walls with lime-based mortar. He also stated that the SEAI would not recommend wall insulation in pre-1940 dwellings under any of its residential energy efficiency schemes. We must square this circle and ensure that we have a separate scheme for such houses. If we are serious about them surviving – they can survive, as they are of fantastic construction quality – for the next 100 years, we need to be able to get not only the financial supports right, but also the eligibility requirements to qualify for them.