Written Answers Nos. 173-196
173. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the one-stop-shop in respect of the national retrofitting scheme will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22627/22]
View answerThe National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from circa 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump.
Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal opened for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop, building on the preparatory work already undertaken. SEAI are focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Therefore the registration process, for this new service, is necessarily robust.
The SEAI advise that five One Stop Shops have now been registered and it is actively working with other applicant organisations to support them through this registration process.
Details of the registered One Stop Shops, including their contact numbers, are available on the SEAI website. A guide to advise homeowners through the various steps to completing a whole house upgrade under the One Stop Shop Service is also available on the SEAI website.
The other schemes operated by SEAI remain available.
174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine a series on matters (details supplied) in relation to the carbon free economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22635/22]
View answerThe National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. In their recent communication 'REPower EU', the European Commission have stated that an additional 15 million tonnes (mt) of renewable hydrogen, on top of the 5.6 mt foreseen under the Fit for 55, can replace 25-50 bcm per year of imported Russian gas by 2030.The communication includes a number of measures proposed by the Commission to help Europe achieve this ambition.
Green hydrogen can play a role in “difficult-to-decarbonise” sectors where energy efficiency, electrification and direct use of renewables are not feasible solutions, in particular those identified in the Climate Action Plan 2021 such as heavy transport (heavy-duty vehicles, maritime and aviation), as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity.
A hydrogen strategy for Ireland is a key priority in the April 2022 Energy Security Framework, with a target date of Q3 2022 for its delivery. The hydrogen strategy will outline the pathways towards the production of green hydrogen and its use in Ireland’s energy mix. My Department is finalising preparations for a public consultation to gather the views of stakeholders and interested parties which will inform the development of this strategy.Nuclear powered electricity generation plants are prohibited in Ireland and the Government has no plans to revisit the prohibition on, or explore the development of, nuclear powered electricity generation in Ireland.
175. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the €200 energy credit is payable to homeowners who live above or adjacent to their business premises and whose electricity for domestic and commercial use all comes through the same metering system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22672/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget and those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.
This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a Meter Point Registration Number, to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible in 2022, without any additional means testing. As such, it is being applied automatically to all domestic electricity accounts which were held with suppliers on 29 March. The payment is being applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act.
The Deputy may also wish to note that updates on the electricity credit, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/
176. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the impact on consumer cost and security of supply following the Commission for Regulation of Utilities decision to permit the ESB to terminate existing contracts in relation to Ringsend, Corduff and Poolbeg plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22683/22]
View answer177. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if clarification will be provided regarding the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme in relation to property owners who maintain apartment buildings with multiple units operate a single electricity account for the building (details supplied). [22685/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget and those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.
While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others would have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion would have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost.Where tenants have a dispute relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.
The Deputy may also wish to note that updates on the electricity credit, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme
178. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are proposals to increase the SEAI grants for solar hot water heating panels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22700/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030. This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide. In line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government recently announced a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions. Included in these measures was the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with heat pump. All households built and occupied before 2021 are eligible to apply for a grant of up to €1,200 to install a solar thermal system.
The grant rates were set following a comprehensive evaluation and consultative process led by SEAI and the Department, including leveraging learning and experience in SEAI, industry consultation, customer research and analysis of cost data. SEAI will monitor cost data on an ongoing basis to track and monitor changes in the market. The grant rates will be kept under review taking account of: the overarching need to build a much bigger home upgrade sector; evolving science; innovation; evolving technology and other relevant factors.
It is important to note that the grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer.
179. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that air pollution is the single biggest environmental health risk and that polluted air from solid fuels continues to cause 1,300 premature deaths each year in Ireland; and the actions that his Department has taken to implement the measures to achieve clean air that have been recommended by an organisation (details supplied). [22752/22]
View answerI am acutely aware that air pollution is a significant cause of premature deaths and health problems in Ireland. It is estimated that each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning and that there are over 16,200 life years lost. Many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. In addition, there are significant costs to the economy each year in terms of healthcare costs and days of work lost. I have noted the recommendations in the report to which the Deputy refers. My Department is progressing new regulations on the use of solid fuels in Ireland which are critical to addressing this public health and environmental challenge and will serve to improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve. With regard to retrofitting, a total of €267 million (of which €202 million is carbon tax receipts) has been allocated for SEAI residential and community schemes in 2022. This investment will support almost 27,000 home energy upgrades, including over 8,600 homes to a BER of B2 (a near doubling of B2 output over 2021) and 4,800 free energy upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty.In addition, €85 million funding has been provided by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme. This investment is targeted to deliver 2,400 B2 (or equivalent cost optimal) upgrades this year.Other actions to bring about cleaner air for all will be outlined in the forthcoming Clean Air Strategy. The public consultation period for the strategy has just closed and my Department is currently considering all submissions received, with a view to publishing the strategy later this year.
180. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of whole-time equivalent staff assigned, the budgeted cost and the actual cost for the administration of the EXEED grant scheme in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22792/22]
View answer181. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the budgeted cost and the actual cost of external audit in relation to the EXEED grant scheme in 2021, in tabular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22793/22]
View answer182. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the budgeted cost and the actual cost of external evaluators in relation to the EXEED grant scheme in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22794/22]
View answer183. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the budgeted cost and the actual cost of external inspectors in relation to the EXEED grant scheme in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22795/22]
View answer184. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the budgeted cost and the actual cost of external mentoring in relation to the EXEED grant scheme in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22796/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 181, 182, 183 and 184 together. I propose to answer Question Nos 180, 184, 183, 182 and 181 together.
My Department funds a number of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) support schemes to help businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their activities.
The detailed administration and management of the SEAI schemes, including the Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) scheme, are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to the evaluation processes in place regarding applications for the various schemes.
For it's part my Department has ensured that SEAI is sufficiently resourced in order to deliver across its work programme.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie
185. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total carbon reduction in 2021 as a result of the EXEED grant scheme; the value of the administration in terms of CO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22797/22]
View answerThe Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) programme was reviewed and relaunched in early 2021, with significant enhancement in both supporting deeper emissions reductions and more efficient processing and approvals cycles. Since its relaunch it has attracted significant interest, and a strong pipeline of projects has developed. The total carbon reduction as a result of the EXEED scheme is 4,597.69tCO2. This figure reflects commitments made through stage 2 letters of offer in 2021.
The SEAI assesses value for money in a number of ways, including the cost to SEAI i.e. grant amount offered, per kWh of primary energy saved annually and per lifetime tCO2 saved (over 15 years). This represents very good value for money and within the business case parameters of the programme. The SEAI estimates the cost per lifetime tCO2 saved (over 15 years) is €27.56.
186. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the terms of the financial support made available to the generators of renewal energy under RESS 1 for the different types of renewable energy. [22826/22]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver on the ambition in the Climate Action Plan 2021 of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Renewable energy projects compete under the RESS in auctions for support for a period up to 16.5 years under a two-way floating feed in premium. This means that they receive the price they bid in at which for RESS-1 projects was an average of €74.08/MWh, which is significantly below the current average wholesale electricity price. The two-way mechanism means that projects receive support from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy up to the price they bid in at. In situations where the market prices is above their bid price, the project pays any additional revenue above their bid price into the PSO Levy.
The details of individual project supports under the Public Service Obligation Levy are a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
187. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of field staff employed by Inland Fisheries Ireland; the vehicles owned by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and the amount spent on the hire of vehicles by Inland Fisheries Ireland in each of the years 2019 to 2021, in tabular form. [22827/22]
View answerThe issues raised are operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which I or the Department have no role. IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the use of concrete in house building contributes to any emissions whether during construction, processing or thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22861/22]
View answer189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which conventional house-building through the use of concrete or concrete products contributes to greenhouse gases as opposed to wooden framed housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together. 188 and 189 together.
The population of Ireland is forecast to reach 5.7milliion by 2040. As the population grows, so does the demand for services and infrastructure such as housing, public transport and schools. The Government has set out how it intends to provide the required infrastructure investments through policies such as the National Development Plan, the National Planning Framework and Housing for All.
The 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP 2021) recognises the contribution of construction activity to Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions and commits to working with stakeholders to increase the use of low carbon materials and technologies in the construction and renovation of buildings in Ireland, informed by evolving EU standards and by best practice in other jurisdictions.
CAP 2021 includes actions to support the decarbonisation of Ireland's construction activity and promote the introduction of alternative, low carbon methods of construction. Recent experience with defective materials in new home construction underlines the need to take a robust performance-based approach to the adoption of low-carbon materials. Alternative materials must meet the requirements of all parts of the building regulations, including requirements relating to durability, fire safety, structure, and resistance to moisture. CAP 2021, therefore, proposes an approach based on environmental certification, and a framework for calculating the embodied carbon of a building.
The proposed revision to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as part of the EU 'Fit for 55' legislative package, will introduce new requirements in relation to zero-emissions buildings, minimum energy performance standards for existing buildings, and declarations of global warming potential for new buildings. New product requirements will ensure that the design and manufacture of construction products is based on state-of-the-art technology to make these more durable, repairable, recyclable, and easier to re-purpose. These proposals align with the commitments in CAP 2021.
EPA data indicates that greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment accounted for 13.9% of total national greenhouse emissions in 2020. However, this only represents the direct emissions associated with heating and cooling of residential and commercial buildings. Analysis published by the Irish Green Building Council on 6 May, in its draft 'Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the Built Environment in Ireland,' indicates that the total lifecycle emissions, including emissions associated with the construction, operation and demolition of Ireland’s construction and built environment sectors, may account for up to 37% of Ireland’s greenhouse emissions, equalling the agriculture sector in terms of its overall contribution.
190. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants for the SEAI better energy schemes are expected to employ a BER assessor and also retain the services of an air tightness consultant which is adding to the cost of any works under the retrofit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22994/22]
View answerEarlier this year, Government approved a package of supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s residential retrofit programme. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. Included in these measures is the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).
The new grant rates available for relevant measures under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will also be available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme. This will help to ensure that homeowners are clear about which grant scheme is most appropriate to their needs.
An air tightness test helps identify air leakage areas which need to be addressed and would be an important measure for homeowners considering the installation of a ventilation system.
As schemes administrator, SEAI advise that where a heat pump grant is being sought, an airtightness test may be necessary in order to achieve the required Heat Loss Indicator, particularly if fabric measures are likely to improve airtightness. However, the SEAI also note that an air tightness test is not mandatory.
Under the Better Energy Homes scheme, for homeowners seeking to install a heat pump, a technical assessment will be required to assess the homes suitability for the heat pump. It would be expected that this assessment should include an assessment of the ventilation heat losses in the dwelling based on certain characteristics, e.g. number of chimneys, wall vents etc.
Furthermore, the SEAI advise that a post-works air tightness test may be a useful measure to carry out as it can help ensure that the work has been done correctly and encourages quality during installation. A post works Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is a mandatory requirement under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
Under the Better Energy Homes scheme, grants are available for the heat pump technical assessment (€200) and the post works BER (€50).
191. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that he proposes to better support the ailing post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23003/22]
View answer192. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his Department will advance plans for a suite of new government services to be available offline via the nation’s post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23004/22]
View answer220. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on introducing a public service obligation of approximately €17 million per annum for the post office network. [23461/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 192 and 220 together. 191, 192 and 220 together.
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially and it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. In addition, Irish post offices are typically independent businesses that are run by postmasters. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company. The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.
The transformation programme that was agreed with the Irish Postmasters Union in 2018, was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. An Post introduced the pandemic recovery fund in 2021, which was worth €8.5 million over an 18-month period. This commenced on 1 July 2021 and will continue until the end of this year. The Government recognises the importance of the high value and high quality post office network to our citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network provides important services to its customers and it is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.
The work of the interdepartmental group, which was established to consider the feasibility of the new Government services, is being considered at present and the report of the Group will be brought to Government when all options have been considered. While decisions relating to the network are matters for the board and the management of the company, they continue to engage with the IPU on operational matters. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Post continues to play a vital role.
Officials in my Department have ongoing engagement with the company, with other Departments and with key stakeholders to explore all options, in line with this commitment.
193. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households that will be eligible to benefit from the warmer homes scheme’s extended qualification criteria to include those in receipt of the disability allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years. [23025/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,620. Households in receipt of the following payments are eligible to apply for the scheme:
- Fuel Allowance
- Working Family Payment
- One Parent Family Payment
- Carer’s Allowance and live with the person you are caring for
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Disability Allowance for more than 6 months and live have a child under 7
- Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than 6 months and have a child under 7.
Department of Social Protection data indicates that there are currently approximately 8,000 recipients of Disability Allowance with children aged under 7. My Department does not hold data on the subset of this number that would meet the Warmer Homes Scheme criteria such as the number of months in receipt of the payment or whether the recipient’s home was built and occupied before 2006.
194. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 15 February 2022, when the Annual Transition Statement will be published. [23026/22]
View answerThe Annual Transition Statement (ATS), established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, served an important function in providing an overview of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the effects of climate change in order to enable the achievement of Ireland's National Transition Objective.The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, significantly strengthens the statutory framework for governance of the climate challenge. The new framework ensures delivery of successive Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and a new Climate Change Advisory Council. Under the 2021 Act, Ministers will have to give an account of their performance in relation to their sectoral targets and actions before an Oireachtas Committee each year. This framework replaces the previous ATS process.Notwithstanding the changes introduced by the 2021 Act, I intend to publish an ATS for 2020. This ATS will set out information on developments in respect of 2019, as was required under the 2015 Act before it was amended. My Department has finalised the Statement following engagement with the relevant stakeholders. The next step is to schedule time in each House of the Oireachtas for relevant Ministers to present their Statements and my Department is liaising with the Dáil and Seanad offices in this regard.
195. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 1 March 2022, will be published. [23027/22]
View answerA reply to Question No. 169 of 5th April was issued on the morning of 6th April and can be found at this link: www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2022-04-05/169/?highlight[0]=17670
196. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to carry out a follow up Social Impact Assessment on the programmes targeting energy poverty since the assessment that was published in October 2020 which found the level of data collected was insufficient to provide an assessment of the schemes’ impact on recipients. [23028/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,620.A budget allocation of €109 million has been provided for this scheme this year. This will support an increase in the number of free home upgrades, from an average of 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This is a top priority in SEAI's work programme.Following a review of the scheme a number of changes were announced in February this year including a decision to commence the collection of both pre and post works Building Energy Ratings (BER) under the scheme.The primary purpose of this is to improve targeting of the scheme to those most in need by providing better pre-works data. However, a pre works BER will also offer other broader benefits, including: more effective retrofit design; more housing stock data; and greater homeowner understanding of their property.The provision of pre works BERs will also provide additional metrics and allow for improved measurement of the impact of the Scheme. This would address recommendations identified in the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service Social Impact Assessment referred to in the Question. The scheme is kept under ongoing review and any decision in relation to the timing of any further Social Impact Assessment would in part be informed by the availability of a sufficient volume of data.
