The Sinn Féin spokesperson on jobs, enterprise and innovation Peadar Tóibín TD has identified a major fall-off in applications to the Better Energy Homes Scheme, which is designed to improve the energy performance of the housing stock in Ireland.

Deputy Tóibín said: "At the time of the budget Minister Pat Rabbitte announced reductions to the grant funding of the Better Energy Homes Scheme. I raised strong concerns at the time that these changes would lead to lower levels of take-up and would impact directly on jobs in the construction industry. This assessment was also shared by a number of independent insulation contractors and industry representatives.

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"Four months after the budget and the levels of application to this scheme have, as predicted, reduced to their lowest ever levels. This decision is costing jobs at a time when the construction industry is seriously struggling. It is ensuring that people will continue to live in inefficient and cold homes. It is also a false economy as energy savings will not be realised and EU CO2 reduction commitments will not be met.

"I'm calling on the Minister to reverse this decision and for the government to get real with regards job creation in one of the few high potential sectors in the state."

(CD)