Speaking after the meeting Deputy Peadar Tóibín TD said: "Following Budget 2012 the Minister agreed changes to the grants to households seeking to avail of external insulation. Since these changes a number of insulation contractors have reported a drop in demand and have had to lay workers off.
-- Advertisement --
"I along with the representative of the contractors raised the issue directly with the SEAI which is responsible for the administration of the grants scheme.
"I believe that the cut to the external insulation grant will affect the cost to the consumer and will drive down demand. This as we have already seen inevitably leads to job layoffs and business closures. This will mean that fewer homes will be able to afford insulation and will ensure families continue to be trapped in energy inefficient homes.
"It will also stagnate what is an extremely important environmental initiative. The reality is that this government talks up green sustainable jobs yet cuts necessary funding. At this pivotal point in the Irish economy we need to build on the success of the SEAI to deliver warmer homes to citizens and deliver jobs to our workers."
(CD/GK)
