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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ó na Comhaltaí Eile - Other Members’ Questions

Property tax and solar programme

Summary

Deputy Heneghan asked about the share of property tax reaching constituents, the passenger cap and the 2024 plug-in solar scheme; the Minister replied on solar policy and home retrofitting.

My constituents saved up, bought houses and are paying the property tax. What proportion of that directly affects them? Regarding the lifting of the passenger cap, the programme for Government clearly stated it should be as soon as possible, so that needs to be addressed. Regarding the 2024 plug-in solar, I know I have raised a lot of issues, so I hope the Minister's officials are watching and will get back to me. I believe this needs to be addressed.

When I wrote this speech, I was under the impression the Tánaiste would be here but since the Minister here, I would like an update on when the occupied territories Bill will be enacted and an update on what actions she has taken on the illegal abduction of Irish citizens on Global Sumud Flotilla. I was abducted by the IOF. I have seen how they brutally treat people who are trying to bring food and aid to a starving population under genocide. How are they able to have impunity in the EU? We need to act and bring in sanctions.

Comment on this

In terms of the solar programme, the Deputy should speak to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. Everyone in government is open to a way in which we can ensure individual householders and home owners can reduce their bills. I mentioned figures earlier in terms of the investment that has already taken place. Some 250,000 homes have been retrofitted. Over 73,000 homes are targeted for this year. How can we do more and go beyond those overall targets? We need to ensure that for any new scheme, we have the right oversight in place and the right type of technology. When you look at the UK, which has moved farther ahead than us on this, problems have arisen in older homes where the wiring and the network is not capable of sustaining or taking on the new solar panels. With anything we do, we have to make sure there is oversight and that it is put in properly so that problems do not arise. There is very much an openness to delivering this and working with innovative companies that have solutions to reduce overall bills.

Regarding the occupied territories Bill, I am committed to bring it forward. A process has been taking place over the past while with the Attorney General but I intend to make progress on it soon.

Comment on this