We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Retrofit report and heat pumps

Summary

Deputy Bruton welcomes the climate advisory report, praises retrofit success and asks for targeted measures for oil-heated homes and older people. The Tánaiste agrees the programme has worked well and says more must be done to accelerate heat pump conversion and support those above the fuel threshold.

Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

Can we please get back to what we are doing? There are four people left and we are over time. I ask for Deputies co-operation. I call Deputy Bruton.

Comment on this

Like my good colleague and fellow Meath man, I read the climate advisory report this morning. It shows that residential building is the only area where we are on target to meet out climate budget. It commended the Government on the 80% take up in the retrofitting loan scheme and one-stop shop. However, the report recommends targeted interventions. I would like the Tánaiste to look at these. There are 250,000 homes built post 2007 that are still using oil. These could switch to using heat pumps. I also ask him to consider older persons who are above the fuel threshold but often live in very energy-inefficient homes.

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy. I have no doubt that he read the report from cover to cover. During my time as Minister for Education, the Deputy was my Opposition counterpart. I know from his diligence and his work that he would read every report that was ever published. I take his point that the retrofit programme has been a success. However, he makes a fair point about the 250,000 houses using oil. The question is whether we can transition them to heat pumps more quickly. I also accept the point about older people above the free fuel threshold. We have a bit more work to do in terms, perhaps, of reconfiguring the schemes to target what has been identified by the advisory council as to where we can do better in respect of certain aspects of the programme. Deputy Bruton read the report. I do not think Deputy O'Rourke did.

Comment on this

I did. In fact I have it here in front of me.

Comment on this

That does not mean the Deputy read it.

Comment on this