Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
796. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the warmer homes scheme; if homes can currently be considered for a second visit in circumstances in which it is feasible and appropriate such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11194/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 140,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The Warmer Homes Scheme budget allocation for 2020 is €52.8 million - a record level of funding for this scheme.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, officials in my Department have been in contact with the SEAI and I have been informed that in July 2018 the homeowner received energy efficiency upgrade work including attic insulation, roof ventilation, non-mechanical wall vents, cavity wall insulation, a gas fired boiler system, radiators and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), along with draught proofing and energy CLF bulbs fitted.
The aim of the scheme is to deliver efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. The rules of the Scheme stipulate that repeat upgrade visits are not provided. This rule is in place to ensure that the available Exchequer funding provides upgrades to as many eligible homes as possible and to prioritise eligible homes that have never had any work completed under the scheme.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. Recommendations on issues including repeat upgrade visits and how to best target those in need will be made shortly.
