Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
52. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if he will address the need for a retrofit scheme in section 38 and 39 charities and small and medium approved housing bodies and other items (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24468/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets for the number and depth of residential retrofits to be completed by 2030. The targets are to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 year. These targets are expected to achieve the Climate Action Plan target of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector.
A cross-Departmental Retrofit Taskforce has been established to develop a new retrofit delivery plan capable of achieving these targets. The plan being formulated aims to address barriers to energy efficiency investments across all sections of our housing stock. The recent announcement of an additional €100 million for retrofit as part of the July Stimulus package will result in the biggest ever budget for retrofit in 2021.
The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households who meet the defined eligibility criteria and who are vulnerable to energy poverty. The Scheme has been in existence since 2002 and has provided upgrades to over 142,000 homes, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The aim of the scheme is to deliver a range of energy efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding, focusing eligibility to those in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Eligibility for Fuel Allowance is a matter for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (www.deasp.ie). At present a Person Supported by the Service (PSS) is not entitled to Fuel Allowance, which is one of the criteria for eligibility for the Warmer Homes scheme. However, the Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including eligibility criteria. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme will be finalised shortly.
The Deputy may also note that the properties referred to in his question may be eligible to receive support for upgrade works under the Better Energy Communities Scheme which is another scheme administered by SEAI. The Scheme funds community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area – homes, including those at risk of energy poverty, community facilities and businesses. These partnerships can be between the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations and energy suppliers. The Scheme will reopen for applications in the coming weeks. Further information on the Communities Scheme is available on www.seai.ie.
Eligibility for capital allowances and VAT rules more generally are matters for the Department of Finance and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners (www.revenue.ie).
