RTE Prime Time viewers were left raging after Sarah McInerney pointed out a major flaw in the government’s deep retrofit scheme.
The host was joined in the studio by Minister Ossian Smyth to delve into the details of the latest scheme announced by the government to tackle the rising cost of living.
Irish homeowners will be offered up to €25,000 to help insulate their homes and bring down the cost of heating as inflation rates soar.
However, it was pointed out that €25,000 represents 50% of the cost to insulate the average family home in Ireland, and so, many families who are already struggling to pay their bills won’t be able to fork out the other 50%.
The host also pointed out that the aims of the scheme to help 500,000 homes be insulated before 2030 seems far-fetched when they are so short on workers to actually carry out the job.
One viewer wrote in anger: “Deep retrofit is not for the middle classes. Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I need to buy a car, 15k for any ball of shite. I don't have a spare 20k.”
Another said: “If someone is struggling to pay their bills & their homes are cold, I’m not exactly seeing how they’re going to have the money to contribute towards retrofitting their homes or how that’d be their priority.”
A third said: “Can you remind the Minister if you are cold in your home tonight you don't have the money to retrofit.”
Viewers also praised McInerney for “another great interview”, where “she asked all the right questions” to allow for a discussion around the flaws of the scheme.
One viewer wrote: “Sarah doing great as expected. Pity she didn't chair the debate last week.”
Another wrote: “McInerney asking all the right questions, so many flaws with this new scheme.. Who is it for?”
A third said: “Another great interview, she’s the only one ready to fight the corner of those who need it.”
