Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
444. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will expedite a warmer homes scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25325/13]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the Better Energy Programme. Warmer Homes provides a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and through an area based programme. The measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are provided free of charge to the customer.
The SEAI has confirmed to my Department that it received the application in question on 25 March 2013. The SEAI is currently arranging surveys for clients who have applications submitted between January and April 2013. The relevant application is therefore with their surveying team who will make contact with the applicant to confirm eligibility and complete a survey. The eligibility criteria are clearly outlined on the SEAI website and include the following:
- Owner occupied non-Local Authority homes
- Constructed before 2002
- The owner is in receipt of one of the following: Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme; Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age; or Family Income support.
I understand that the applicant is in receipt of grant-aid under the Farm Assist scheme. This however, is not one of the qualifying criteria for the Warmer Homes scheme. The Deputy should note therefore that the applicant will need to confirm that he meets one of the eligibility criteria set out above, in order to be eligible for service delivery of energy efficiency measures under this scheme.
