Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
187. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the warmer homes scheme will currently consider applications from pensioners that are on qualifying payments, have medical conditions, other than respiratory in nature, but have had previous minor work done under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35451/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the SEAI can consider a person (details supplied) for inclusion in the warmer home schemes despite having had some minor energy efficiency work completed some years ago; if consideration is given to the health and age of such applicants and the nature and limitations of any previous work done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35453/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 189 together.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. In order to qualify for support, applicants must own and live in their home which was built and occupied before 2006 and must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Age and health status are not part of the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme.
To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However, in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, I have been informed by the SEAI that the home in question received works in 2015 under the Warmer Homes Scheme and was not eligible for wall insulation at the time.
There are currently over 7,800 homes on the Warmer Homes work programme and the scheme operates nationally on a first come, first served basis. These homes have not previously received any free upgrades under the scheme and for that reason are the priority to receive upgrades. My Department is in regular contact with the SEAI in relation to the operation of the Scheme. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will be finalised shortly.
It is important to note that I have secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme. Funding for the energy poverty retrofit schemes has also increased to over €109 million in 2021. This is an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation. In addition, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020.
The Deputy may wish to note that there are other grants and schemes available from Government that could assist their constituent if there is an urgent need. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Aid for Older People Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
