Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2024
13. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has given any consideration to facilitating the prioritisation of particular applications to the SEAI regarding retrofitting/home upgrades in instances whereby such works may be of benefit to a person's health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18293/24]
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.
Applications to the Scheme 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance.
SEAI is rolling out a scheme to provide Solar PV to vulnerable customers registered as being dependent on electrically powered assistive devices. Part-funded SEAI grants under the Better Energy Homes Scheme support homeowners to retrofit their home in stages over a number of years.
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) of the Department of Social Protection.
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.
