Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
56. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of concerns (details supplied) concerning the warmer home scheme, that inadequate work is carried out to reach a B2 standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56305/23]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 150,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to make eligible homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run by providing suitable energy efficiency upgrades from the measures offered under the scheme. The upgrades recommended for a given property depend on many factors, including age, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
- Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
- Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
- Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
- In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements where the wall is being insulated
Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance document. In addition, contractors are required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with the scheme's Quality Assurance programme.
As Minister I have no function in relation to individual applications to the scheme which are a matter for SEAI. SEAI has established a specific email address for Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to individual applications can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
