Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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18. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment whether the Government is on track to meeting retrofitting targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26232/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Climate Action Plan and the National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by the end of 2030.

A range of measures have been introduced under the Retrofit Plan in recent years to support the achievement of our targets, including:

• Enhanced SEAI grant schemes with simplified application processes and faster approvals, including a greater focus on heat pumps;
• A reformed Warmer Homes Scheme for homeowners in energy poverty with expanded eligibility, increased depth of retrofit, prioritisation of the worst performing homes and a higher number supported;
• Establishment of a network of 24 SEAI registered One Stop Shops with further growth in the network expected this year;
• Enhanced supports for retrofitting apartment buildings and flat complexes;
• New supports for area-based retrofit projects and traditional buildings;
• The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme introduced last year enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 3%;
• A reduction in the VAT rate for heat pumps to 9% and a 0% rate for solar panels;
• A tax incentive to encourage small-scale landlords to undertake retrofitting works while tenants remain in situ; and
• Measures to increase the number of workers with retrofit skills.