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Environmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022

Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Questions (11)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

11. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given or will be given to allowing pensioners to apply for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants when an adult child lives with them (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26861/22]

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Written answers

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. To date, the Government has provided funding to over 145,000 homes under the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,620. Households who are in receipt of the following Department of Social Protection payments are eligible to apply:

- Fuel Allowance;

- Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);

- Working Family Payment;

- One-Parent Family Payment;

- Disability Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);

- Domiciliary Care Allowance;

- Carer’s Allowance where you live with the person you are caring for.

Further information can be found on SEAI's website www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes. The application process for the Warmer Homes Scheme does not assess the household’s composition. Pensioners in receipt of the relevant Social Protection payments living with adult children are not precluded from applying for the scheme.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented those areas where the limited resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.

Grants covering up to 80% of the cost of attic and cavity wall insulation are also available to all homeowners whose houses were built before 2011. There are no income eligibility criteria for these grants. Further information is available on SEAI's website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/insulation-grants/

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