We are out of time. With the Taoiseach's co-operation, I will allow in the final two speakers, even though we are way over time. The Deputies have 30 seconds each.
Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (Resumed)
Does the Taoiseach agree that the Government needs to raise the social income housing eligibility limits? Does he further agree that we need, as an interim measure, to raise the bands by €5,000 for in keeping with the social housing income limit review? The bands for five counties, Clare, Carlow, Galway, Laois and Westmeath, have increased by €5,000 on the basis that the report found that in 26 out of 31 local authorities 35% of disposable income is going on rent. Does the Taoiseach agree that all local authorities should increase social housing eligibility limits by €5,000? In Limerick, it is only €30,000. I have many constituents on relatively low incomes who do not qualify.
I raise the crazy system of the retrofitting scheme the Government has introduced. When will the Government realise it is not working and will not work because it excludes a large number of households? One example is stone-built houses that were constructed in 1965 or earlier. These homes could really do with deep retrofits but we are told that they do not qualify. Such homes are usually lived in by elderly people, parents or grandparents, who have stayed in the family home all their lives. They heat their homes with turf and timber and are now being told that they cannot do so. The Government devised a scheme suited to those with the greatest means, not those in greatest need. Homeowners such as those I mention, as well as people living in energy poverty and in greatest need of help, are being left behind by the scheme.
The latest projections from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland indicate that we are on track to achieve our target of 27,000 home energy upgrades this year. This compares with 15,500 upgrades last year. Many people are applying for the scheme, and it is up 150%.
These are the houses that need the deep retrofit.
Will the Deputy send a note to me on the specific house types he has identified? We want as flexible a scheme as possible.
Anything pre 1965 does not even qualify.
I am trying to be helpful. If the Deputy sends on the details of the house types he has become aware of that are outside the scheme, we will see what we can do to include them in the scheme. Is that fair?
Yes.
What about my question?
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has this matter under active consideration. He made proposals-----
I want to know the Taoiseach's view.
The question is asked with remarkable precision.
I want it responded to accordingly.
The Minister brought proposals to the housing committee. He will bring it to the Cabinet-----
The question was to the Taoiseach, not the Minister.
It actually is for the Minister. I do not pre-empt him.
No, it is for you, as Taoiseach
We are way over time. I allowed the Deputies in with a discretion.