Malcolm Noonan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There are two issues I want to raise with the Leader. One relates to the potential shelving of the introduction of BER certificates for private rental properties, as reported by Caroline O'Doherty of the Irish Independent. This was a key commitment under Housing for All during the previous Government's term. Does the Government now intend to shelve plans to bring in BER certificates for private rental properties? That might have been acceptable in the 1980s when I was renting flats around Dublin with a poster of The Smiths on the wall but it certainly is not acceptable now. It would push a lot of families, individuals and students into fuel poverty when they are already paying exorbitant rents. I ask the Government not to shelve those plans. It is a retrograde step that only kicks the can down the road as regards environmental targets. The Exchequer and ultimately the taxpayer will pay the cost but, in the shorter term, renters will pay the cost if we do not have proper standards for energy and insulation in private rental properties. The second issue I will raise relates to the fires that are still raging in Wild Nephin, Kenmare, other parts of Kerry and the Mourne Mountains. We have seen the devastation again. It is fantastic to have the weather we have outside but at this time of year, we seem to have a persistent problem. We had made some strides in recent years, particularly with the training of National Parks and Wildlife Service staff and direct liaison with local authorities and fire emergency services. In light of the increased investment due to take place in the Defence Forces, we should consider looking at dual capability of Defence Forces equipment and personnel in situations like this.

We are in a biodiversity crisis, which is added to by the devastation and destruction caused to habitats, with the loss of species and ground nesting birds, not to mention that properties are also being threatened. The ability to rapidly deploy resources to address these fires will be critical because, unfortunately, there will be an increased incidence of them, given the weather events happening around the world. Following the increased investment, I ask that the Minister for Defence give consideration - it could take place by way of debate in this Chamber - to the dual use of personnel and equipment and their deployment to address these horrific and destructive fires.