175. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider revising the renewable heat obligation scheme to ensure that it supports the deployment of renewable liquid fuels into existing home heating systems as the fastest and most practical pathway to emissions reduction in the heating sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62312/26]

Following Government approval of the general scheme in July 2025, priority drafting of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill is now at an advanced stage and nearing completion. Once finalised, I intend to submit the final scheme to Government for approval and priority publication as part of the Autumn legislative programme.

Decisions made in relation to the overall scheme design were based on an extensive examination of the level of obligation required to meet Ireland’s renewable heat targets, and the resulting impact on end consumer costs. The scheme is considered appropriate and effective to support market participation and achievement of our climate and energy targets.

The Programme for Government 2025 commits to targeting older homes still using oil to switch to renewable heating systems and to consider the use of sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from existing home boilers where deep retrofits are not possible in the short term. This is being considered as part of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's analysis of the optimum use of bioenergy in Ireland's energy system.