To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on when the next phase of the review of (i) energy efficiency requirements and; (ii) related areas of Building Regulations, will be consulted upon.

My Department consulted on a discussion document on amendments to the Building Regulations to improve energy efficiency and address related areas in new buildings or where buildings are substantially modified. The consultation ended in December 2023 and since then officials have been working with key stakeholders in other Departments and our Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) to analyse the responses to the discussion document and bring forward proposals for potential amendments to the Building Regulations. This will provide an indication, to the public, industry and others with an interest, of the proposed approach across those areas and timeframes for future uplifts.

I plan to seek Executive approval for publication of the response to the discussion document before the summer recess with a full legislative consultation on the subsequent proposed uplifts in these areas anticipated by the second half of 2026.