Know Your Rights May 2026

Sing it, Joe…

atest press release from the Citizens Information Centre, issued on Wednesday, May 20th 2026…

Changes to Building Energy Rating (BER)

I’m buying a home that has a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate. What does this mean?
A BER certificate tells you the energy efficiency of your home. All new homes must have a BER certificate. If your home has a good BER, it stays warm for longer and has lower energy bills.

Homeowners usually need a BER certificate to:
• Sell you a home
• Rent the property to you

Why and when is the BER system changing?
The Government announced changes to BER ratings. These changes start on 24 May 2026 and will bring Ireland’s BER system in line with what’s used in other European countries.

What is changing?
The BER scale will reduce from 15 to 8 categories. All existing sub-categories, like B1, B2 and B3 will be removed. The new scale will consist of A0, A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The new top BER of A0 is for very energy efficient homes that do not use fossil fuels. For example, if your home has a gas boiler, it will not qualify for an A0 rating.

The new BER certificate will have more information, such as:
• How your home uses renewable energy
• How the building could contribute to carbon emissions
• A QR code that links to advice about energy upgrades for your home

If I already have a BER certificate, do I need to get a new one?
If your home already has a BER certificate, this is valid for 10 years from when it was issued. So, you can continue using it if you are selling or renting your home.

Read more about getting a BER assessment and the new changes here, or drop into or call Bray or Arklow Citizens Information Centre.  

Drugs Payment Scheme

Can I reduce the amount I pay for prescription medicines?
Yes. You can get the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card if you do not have a medical card.
With the DPS card, you pay a maximum of €80 a month for certain HSE-approved medicines and medical appliances that you and your family have been prescribed. You also need a DPS card to get free Hormone Replacement Therapy if you are prescribed it and do not have a medical card.

Who is included on the family DPS card?
Your family includes your spouse or partner, your children under 18 and your children under 23 if they are studying full time. It also includes any member of your family with a disability who cannot look after themselves fully. You must be living in Ireland and intend to live here for at least one year.

How does the scheme work?
When you register for the scheme, you get a plastic swipe card for each person named on the registration form. You can also store your card on the HSE Health App. You should try to use the same pharmacy during the month to avoid paying more than €80.

How long does a DPS card last?
Your DPS card lasts for a limited period of time. The expiry date is printed on your card. When it expires, you need to apply again.

How do I apply for a DPS card?
To apply, you need your email address, your PPS number, home address, date of birth and proof you are ordinarily living in Ireland.

You can apply online for a DPS card at mydps.ie. You can also apply by post. You can get a copy of the Drugs Payment Scheme Application Form by downloading and printing it from mydps.ie. You can also contact your local primary care centre or call 0818 22 44 78 (LoCall). Send your completed application form to the Drugs Payment Scheme Client Registration Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11.

Read more about the Drugs Payment Scheme here, or drop into or call Bray or Arklow Citizens Information Centre.  

Buying A Used Car

I want to buy a second-hand car. Does it matter who I buy it from?
Yes. Your rights depend on whether you buy the car from a car dealer or a private seller.

If you buy from a car dealer, you have similar rights to when you buy a new car. This is because consumer law covers sales between a consumer (the person buying) and a trader (a person who sells goods or services as part of their profession).

You can expect a used car from a trader to meet certain conditions of quality and durability, which are set out in your contract. The price you pay should reflect the standard of the used car.

If there is a problem, you may have the right to a repair, replacement, refund or price reduction.
If you buy from a private seller, you have fewer legal protections because consumer law generally doesn’t apply to private sales.

What should I check before buying a used car from a car dealer?
You should inspect the car carefully and ask about the car’s history and previous owners. The car dealer should point out any problems to you before you buy.

Ask to see the NCT certificate and compare the odometer reading (mileage) on the car with the most recent NCT reading. You should also check if a written warranty or guarantee is available, and ask for 2 sets of keys and a signed receipt for payment.

Do warranties affect my legal rights?
No. A warranty gives you extra protection if something goes wrong with the car. However, it does not replace your legal rights. Before buying, check what the warranty covers and how long it lasts.

Read more about your rights when buying a used car here or drop into or call Bray or Arklow Citizens Information Centre.  

Apprenticeships

I’m nearly finished school and I want to learn a trade. What are my options?
You could consider doing an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship programme combines on-the-job training with an employer, with off-the-job training in an education centre.

You can do an apprenticeship in a traditional craft, such as plumbing or carpentry. Or, in areas such as accounting or Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Your apprenticeship can last between 2 and 4 years.

Do I qualify?
To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Cycle or equivalent. Some employers may have additional requirements.

If you don’t have these qualifications, you can still register as an apprentice if you either:

• Complete an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview
• Are aged 18 or over and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience. You’ll also have to do an assessment interview.

How do I apply?
You can find apprenticeship jobs on apprenticeship.ie and apply directly to the employer before the closing date.

You can also ask an employer if they will take you on as an apprentice. All employers must be approved by SOLAS before they can hire an apprentice.

If you’re interested in a craft apprenticeship, you can also contact the Apprenticeship Section of your local Education and Training Board (ETB).

Do I get paid?
Yes. The amount you get paid can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and the industry you choose.

If your apprenticeship was developed before 2016, your employer pays you a recommended apprenticeship wage. While you’re training off-the-job, the ETB pays you an allowance. In some cases, you may get a contribution for your travel and accommodation costs from the ETB. If your apprenticeship was developed after 2016, your employer pays you for the duration of your apprenticeship. You agree the rate of pay with your employer.

You can find out more about apprenticeships here, or drop into or call Bray or Arklow Citizens Information Centre.

You can find out more about all of the above, and more, right here, and here, or get in touch your local Citizens Information Centre in Bray on  0818076780 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) or [email protected], and Arklow on 0818076750 or [email protected].