Retrofit scheme and pensioners
Francis Noel Duffy praised the retrofit package but argued pensioners were excluded and asked about an equity release scheme to help older people improve their homes. The Taoiseach said he would need to think about it and discuss it further.
The €8 billion retrofit package is monumental and never been seen before in the history of the State. It delivers on one of the Green Party's most important policies, which is designed to eradicate fuel poverty and make homes warmer, healthier and more valuable. However, I believe a cohort of society has been left out, namely, pensioners. Will the Taoiseach consider going a step further to improve the retrofit package by introducing an equity release scheme for those nearing pension age and old-age pensioners so they can improve the quality of their homes?