Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
927. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the eligibility criteria for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's warmer home scheme, which only applies to family income supplement applicants, jobseekers with a child under seven and persons in receipt of fuel allowance; and the reason persons in receipt of invalidity or disability allowance are not eligible. [11214/15]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to deliver energy efficiency measures to low income home owners experiencing energy poverty. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. These energy efficient upgrades are provided free of charge to the customer. Since the commencement of the scheme, over 112,000 homes in energy poverty have received these upgrades with a total Government investment of nearly €137m.
In 2012 the eligibility criteria for the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme were broadened in an attempt to include more households at risk of energy poverty. To be eligible for the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme a person must be in receipt of one of the following: a fuel allowance under the National Fuel Scheme; Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7); or Family Income Support.
Households in receipt of either Invalidity or Disability Allowance may qualify for a fuel allowance payment from the Department of Social Protection. The fuel allowance is means tested and is therefore aligned to the income of the household. If a householder does qualify for the fuel allowance they are automatically eligible for support under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme.
My Department is currently reviewing responses received to the recent public consultation on a new Affordable Energy Strategy. In this consultation views were sought on a wide range of issues, including the criteria for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. I expect that the preparation of a new Affordable Energy Strategy will be completed in Quarter 3 of this year.
