Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
130. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is any possibility of ensuring a fully funded energy upgrade scheme application by a person (details supplied) is processed as a matter of priority due to medical need. [1770/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
However, individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no function in relation to such applications. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf on applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
SEAI has also published information on their website in relation to waiting times at the various stages of the scheme: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/#:~:text=online%20here.-,Waiting,-Times%3A
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-pay
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: gov.ie - Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with a disability (Private Houses) (www.gov.ie)
