Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
412. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, further to the current pilot, it is planned to roll out the SEAI warmth and wellbeing scheme nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10276/19]
View answerThe Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme was established in 2016 as a joint energy and health policy initiative with the Department of Health and cross Government support from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The scheme was designed to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions, demonstrating the multiple benefits of energy efficiency.
The scheme was piloted in HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) 7, specifically Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 & 24. Over 900 homes in the pilot area have now been upgraded with an investment of €20m. An independent analysis of the health and wellbeing impacts is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in collaboration with the Health Service Executive. Interim findings will be available this year, which will inform decisions on the future of the scheme.
