Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the fibre glass insulation that is being provided through the warmer homes scheme and through other grants schemes of this kind is the most effective material for this purpose; the agreement reference number that both he and Sustainable Energy Ireland have suggested the mineral fibre in its use in open air space has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48123/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Fibrous materials have been commonly used for insulation purposes over many years and have proven thermal qualities. Insulation materials generally are not designed for direct exposure to an inhabited space. They are commonly left exposed in an attic space, as attics are generally designed as ventilated and unoccupied space. Where they are used in a converted or occupied attic space, insulation materials should normally be sealed behind a suitable barrier such as plasterboard.

I am advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland that there is no requirement for traditional attic insulation materials to achieve the Irish Agrément Board certification, as such certification is designed specifically for new building materials, products and processes that do not yet have an established track record of use and for which national standards have not yet been published.