Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. My question specifically related to apartments. In 2020, 11.7% of all apartment dwellers reported being in energy arrears. In 2013, the figure was as high as 20%. The issue of energy poverty among apartment dwellers is not new, yet my sense is that the Department has been hugely behind the curve on this matter. The Minister of State spoke about the SEAI supporting a number of apartment blocks. To be honest, I know of none in Dublin. Perhaps they exist but they are few and far between. We need to see a comprehensive plan for all apartment blocks in order that they can be upgraded in one step as opposed to just the windows or doors of individual apartments being done, which has limited benefit when compared with the overhaul of the energy efficiency of an entire building.

The Department is moving at far too slow a pace in addressing this issue. We have the old data regarding energy arrears and energy deprivation among apartment dwellers. In the context of the cost-of-living crisis, the figure in this regard is quite high. There needs to be urgency on the part of the Department.