Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
29. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a school (details supplied) has completed its evaluation of the warmth and well-being pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme aims to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions. The scheme is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Health and is jointly administered by the Health Service Executive and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Since 2016 over 1,200 homes have received free upgrades to their homes, including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
According to SEAI, the average cost per home completed to date is €22,800. This investment has significantly improved the warmth and comfort of the homes. Initial reports have indicated that the upgrades are also delivering benefits to the health and wellbeing of participants, including reports of needing fewer GP and hospital visits. An independent analysis is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in collaboration with the Health Service Executive.
The research element of the scheme has experienced significant delays due to complications associated with GDPR, Brexit and more recently the COVID-19 emergency.
Every effort is being made to progress the research as quickly as possible and I will be publishing the results when they are available. Publication is now planned for the second half of this year. The findings will inform Government’s approaches to retrofitting, especially with regard to those who are more vulnerable and at risk of energy poverty.
