Written Answers Nos. 163-181
163. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital, current and total Budget 2023 allocation for the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026; the capital, current and total Budget 2022 allocation for the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026; the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4484/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the commitment in the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan 2021, as well as the Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, the Government adopted the new Trade & Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World in March 2022.
The goal of the Trade & Investment Strategy is to see Ireland grow sustainably, diversify export markets and provide for Ireland’s continued economic wellbeing. The Strategy addresses not only trade and investment issues but also climate and sustainability by setting out a principled and holistic approach to trade policy. The Strategy includes seven priority actions aimed at advancing Ireland’s trade and investment goals, diversifying markets, and strengthening supply chains.
There is no specific budget allocation for the Strategy. The funding of any initiatives related to implementation of the Strategy will be addressed as they arise as part of normal expenditure arrangements and the estimates process.
164. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital, current and total Budget 2023 allocation for the Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025; the capital, current and total Budget 2022 allocation for the Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025; the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4485/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025 does not have a budget allocation over the years 2022-2023.
Delivery of the strategy is structured over six thematic areas over 18 actions. The primary mission of the strategy is to raise awareness and to support the drive towards digital transformation and the uptake and deployment of digital technologies within Ireland's manufacturing sector. This strategy aligns with the refreshed strategies of the enterprise agencies, IDA Ireland - Driving Recovery And Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, and Enterprise Ireland - Leading in a changing world. Strategy 2022 2024. Digital transformation of our industry sectors and enterprise base in a national strategic priority and is being advanced through a series of policy and strategy initiatives. This includes, Ireland's National Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025, Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework 2022, National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024, AI: Here for Good, A National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland, 2021, National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 .
Delivery of the action items of the Industry 4.0 Strategy 1-18 are being implemented through Government Departments; DETE and DFHERIS and the agencies of these departments: IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and Science Foundation Ireland, NSAI, and LEOs. Funding of these actions are carried by existing budgets of said agencies. Future Manufacturing Ireland is supported by the administration budget of DETE.
Additional measure's which assist the digital and related sustainability agenda are supported through funding under the Green Transition Fund and the Digital Transition Fund.
165. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital, current and total Budget 2023 allocation for the National Enterprise Strategy: Enterprise 2025; the capital, current and total Budget 2022 allocation for the National Enterprise Strategy: Enterprise 2025; and the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4486/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Enterprise Strategy: Enterprise 2025 was reviewed in 2017 leading to the publication of Enterprise 2025 Renewed (2018) with targets set out through to 2020. Many of these targets have now been met, or surpassed. Enterprise 2025 Renewed was subsequently superseded by Future Jobs Ireland 2019 and the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, 2021 and more recently the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise.
In 2022, my Department undertook a review of national enterprise policy which included a significant public consultation exercise. On foot of this, the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise was launched in December 2022 and sets out Ireland`s enterprise policy for the period to 2030, building on Ireland`s economic strengths of an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, a vibrant innovation hub, and a resilient labour market.
In line with previous enterprise strategies including Enterprise 2025, the White Paper on Enterprise does not have a specified budget allocation. The White Paper will, however, inform the allocation of enterprise related expenditure in the period to 2030.
166. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital, current and total Budget 2023 allocation for the DETE People Strategy 2021-2024; the capital, current and total Budget 2023 allocation for the DETE People Strategy 2021-2024; the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4487/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Human Resources and Learning and Career Development teams are responsible for delivery of the DETE People Strategy 2021-2024.
Delivery of actions under the DETE People Strategy in 2023 are funded by current expenditure which comes under the Administration section of the Department's Budget. Expenditure is incurred in respect of the staffing resources of the Human Resources and Learning and Career Development Unit, and learning and career development activities funded in the Department.
The Department’s Learning and Career Development budget for 2023 is €450,000. This fund supports strategic development programmes including the Advance Payment of Fees Scheme for third level study, the Department’s Induction programme, Coaching and Mentoring, Information Sessions, webinars, in-class and online staff training, and more.
Staff resources in the Human Resources and Learning and Career Development units are responsible for a wide range of responsibilities, including implementation of the DETE People Strategy 2021-2024, and are funded as part of the Departments overall pay budget. The resources currently serving in the Unit are as follows:
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
9 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Staff resources within the Unit and across the whole Department are regularly reviewed as part of strategic workforce planning. Staff of the Department are paid in accordance with the relevant public service pay agreements, currently 'Building Momentum’, and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform approved pay scales.
There is no capital allocation under Budget 2023 for delivery of the DETE People Strategy.
167. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the capital, current and total Budget 2023 allocation for his Department’s internal ICT Strategy 2020-2025; the capital, current and total Budget 2022 allocation for his Department’s internal ICT Strategy 2020-2025; the percentage difference compared to the Budget 2023 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4488/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2023 budget allocation for core ICT services in my Department in 2023 is €5,173,000. The equivalent allocation for 2022 was €4,173,000. The 2023 allocation represents an increase of €1 million on the 2022 allocation, or 24%. The additional allocation is to fund a significant increase in business systems development activity in 2023, as well as to meet more general cost increases. The increase in business systems development addresses a number of goals in my Department’s ICT Strategy 2020-2025.
However, it should be noted that the totality of spending on ICT service delivery in my Department is greater than this core ICT service allocation. Each of the Offices under the aegis of my Department has its own budget allocation, and some of those funds are allocated to ICT business systems development and maintenance. Those Offices are the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, the Companies Registration Office, and the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland. This approach to funding allows the budget of each Office to be more reflective of the total cost of service delivery. This spend can vary from year to year, depending on the timing of individual initiatives. When this additional spend is taken into account, the total spend on the delivery of ICT services in my Department in 2021 was €7,035,672. The data in respect of 2022 is currently being compiled.
168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a breakdown of the capital and current budget allocations for Programme A Jobs and Enterprise Development of Budget 2023 Expenditure Report will be provided, in tabular form. [4489/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below details the current and capital budget allocations to my Department across Programme A – Jobs and Enterprise Development as published in the Revised Estimates Volume 2023.
Programme A – Jobs and Enterprise Development
|
Subhead |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
€,000 |
€,000 |
€,000 |
|
A.1 Administration - Pay |
15,061 |
|
15,061 |
|
A.2 Administration - Non Pay |
3,402 |
|
3,402 |
|
A.3 Agency Legacy Pensions |
40,170 |
|
40,170 |
|
A.4 Intertrade Ireland |
2,686 |
8,900 |
11,586 |
|
A.5 IDA Ireland |
60,701 |
177,300 |
238,001 |
|
A.6 NSAI - G-I-A for Admin & Gen Exps |
9,834 |
500 |
10,334 |
|
A.7 Enterprise Ireland |
99,664 |
120,703 |
220,367 |
|
A.8 Local Enterprise Development |
11,981 |
35,816 |
47,797 |
|
A.9 Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme |
|
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
A.10 Matching Funding For Interreg |
|
1,389 |
1,389 |
|
A.11 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
3,650 |
|
3,650 |
|
A.12 Commissions, Committees and Special Inquiries |
201 |
|
201 |
|
A.13 Legal Costs and Other Services |
130 |
|
130 |
|
A.14 SBCI Loan Schemes |
|
1 |
1 |
|
A.15 Humanitarian Relief Scheme |
|
1 |
1 |
|
A.16 Micro Finance Ireland |
|
1 |
1 |
|
A.17 National Design Centre |
|
1 |
1 |
|
A.18 Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme - TBESS |
649,130 |
|
649,130 |
|
Programme Total |
896,610 |
349,612 |
1,246,222 |
The table reflects the allocation as published in the 2023 Revised Estimates Volume. It does not include capital monies allocated from the €54.5 million in unspent capital appropriations which were carried over from 2022 for use in 2023 in accordance with the provisions of Section 91 of the Finance Act, 2004.
A number of the Department’s Agencies also generate own Resource Income from activities that they undertake, which subject to the approval of the Minister for Public expenditure and Reform they may retain for use on programme activity.
169. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to expand the semiconductor and microelectronics sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe microelectronics industry is of great importance to Ireland. We have a significant semiconductor design and fabrication history and we have developed a strong domestic and international semiconductor industry and research and development ecosystem, with over 130 indigenous and foreign subsidiary companies across the microelectronics value chain. There are over 20,000 people currently employed in Ireland’s semiconductor industry and we export €13.5bn worth of products annually.
Semiconductor chips are central to the digital economy and are used in numerous everyday products including smartphones and cars in addition to critical applications and infrastructure in health, energy, communications and automation. However, recent supply chain challenges have revealed structural vulnerabilities in the European value chain, exposing Europe’s dependency for supply on a limited number of companies, many of which are located outside of the EU.
In February 2022, the European Commission announced a proposal for a European Chips Act, which aims to strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem, to increase the EU’s security of supply of semiconductors and to develop new markets for cutting-edge European technologies. Since that date, officials from my Department have been engaged in negotiations on the proposal. My Department has also conducted a public consultation to consider views from Irish stakeholders, the results of which can be found on the Departmental website.
Ireland supported the adoption of the European Council’s position (general approach) on the Chips Act during the Competitiveness Council on the 1st of December 2022, and we look forward to continued constructive engagement with the Commission, the Presidency and Member States as the file progresses.
The semiconductor sector is recognised as cyclical due to the shifts in consumer demand and the huge cost of capital investment required to build new capacity. Despite its cyclicality, it is a long-term growth sector. Companies will continue to deploy capital to meet the needs of increased long-term demand for chips in a range of consumer and enterprise devices and equipment applications.
Ireland is ready and able to support the objectives of the Chips Act, which will enable us to further develop our research, development and innovation landscape and increase our capacity to produce semiconductor chips.
170. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of occasions on which the Health and Safety Authority has prosecuted or sought prosecution of an employer for workplace bullying in each of the years 2019 to 2022. [4551/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of occasions on which the Health and Safety Authority have prosecuted or sought prosecution of a public sector body or employer or employee for workplace bullying in each of the years 2019 to 2022. [4552/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of occasions on which cases have been referred to the Health and Safety Authority relating to workplace bullying within the health service in each of the years 2019 to 2022. [4555/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 171 and 172 together.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has a broad mandate which includes enforcing occupational safety and health legislation in relation to workplaces and work activities.
In relation to the issue of workplace bullying, the HSA has prepared and published, jointly with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), a Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work. This Code of Practice provides practical guidance for employers on identifying and preventing bullying at work arising from their duties under section 8 (2)(b) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 as regard “managing and conducting work activities in such a way as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any improper conduct or behaviour likely to put the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees at risk”. The Code provides comprehensive guidance for employers on establishing both informal and formal mechanisms to deal with bullying complaints at enterprise level.
The HSA engages with employers through the inspection process to ensure that they have a policy in place regarding the prevention of bullying at work and the processing of bullying complaints. Where an adequate policy on workplace bullying does not exist, an employee can register a complaint with HSA Contact Centre. While the HSA does not get involved in mediating or investigating individual bullying complaints, when a complaint of workplace bullying is received, the HSA uses its statutory powers to ensure that an employer has a suitable workplace bullying policy in place to deal with the complaint and, if necessary, to assess whether or not the employer’s actions in dealing with the complaint were adequate.
It is worth noting that a number of individual bullying grievances have been dealt with through mediation by the WRC Services over the past number of years. The Adjudication Service also deals with such disputes – they are independent adjudicators, and they investigate disputes referred to them by individuals or small groups of workers under specific legislation.
If an employee feels they are being penalised at work because they raised a bullying issue, they can pursue this matter, through the provisions of Section 27 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, by contacting the WRC for advice.
The Health and Safety Authority has not prosecuted or sought prosecution of any employer or employee in the private sector or in any public or private sector body for workplace bullying in the years 2019 to 2022.
The HSA has confirmed that nine (9) cases of workplace bullying relating to employment within the health service were reported to its Contact Centre for the period 2019 to 2022.
|
Year |
Complaints Received |
|
2019 |
1 |
|
2020 |
1 |
|
2021 |
4 |
|
2022 |
3 |
|
Total |
9 |
173. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the jobs announcements made by Ministers in his Department in 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; the companies involved; the number of jobs announced; the location of the new jobs and the location in which the Minister made the announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4729/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if pensioners (details supplied) will receive a pension increase as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Eircom Main Superannuation Scheme (as amended) was established by Statute for the purpose of providing for the pension liabilities of staff transferred from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs to Telecom Éireann on its establishment on 1st January 1984, the Vesting day. The pre-vesting and post vesting liabilities of the scheme members were paid entirely out of the Main Fund until 1996.
Following extensive discussions with the Department of Finance at the time, formal arrangements for payment of the sums due in respect of pre-vesting service were settled between the company, Fund Trustees and that Department. The arrangements involved, inter alia, the establishment of the Eircom No. 2 Fund in 1999 to provide funding towards pre-vesting liabilities while the Main Fund continued to provide only for the post-vesting day liabilities arising.
The provisions of the eircom Superannuation Scheme (Section 10) stipulate that eircom Limited may grant pension increases to members as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance
Therefore, all pension increases require authorisation at Ministerial level across two Departments; my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (in line with delegated functions).
In October 2022, my Department received a request from the trustees for sanction for an increase of 3%, backdated to 1 July 2022. In order to consider the request, a report was requested from NewERA on the pension increase proposal. Following completion of this report, a determination will be made by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
175. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress being made in achieving the target to deep retrofit 500,000 houses by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by end-2030. This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide. The budget of €8 billion to the end of the decade and annual allocations set out in the National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan, underlines the Government’s commitment to achieving these targets.
The National Retrofit Plan estimates that, between 2019 and 2025, almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost optimal level. When the emissions savings from the non-B2 upgrades are included, this is the equivalent of 120,000 B2 upgrades over the period. As a result, there will be a need to deliver on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030.
A particularly important aspect of the Retrofit Plan was the launch, last February, of a new package of enhanced SEAI retrofit supports. The key measures included:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard;
- A new network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades;
- Higher grants for those taking a step-by-step approach to retrofit with a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation. These grants are available to all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current, exceptionally high energy prices.
- Expanded delivery under the SEAI free energy upgrade schemes for those at risk of energy poverty as well as a new approach to prioritising the worst performing homes under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including Solar PV) was exceptionally following the introduction of these measures. Preliminary figures from SEAI indicate that, as of end-December:
- Almost 49,700 applications for support were submitted to SEAI in 2022, representing a 150% increase on 2021 figures.
- Over 27,700 home energy upgrades were supported in 2022, exceeding the target of 26,940. This represents a 79% increase in outputs year on year.
- Of these, over 9,000 upgrades were to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better, which is double the B2 upgrades supported in 2021.
My Department is working with SEAI to build on this strong performance across the schemes with a robust pipeline of activity carried forward from 2022 into 2023. A target of 37,000 retrofits has been set for 2023, and a record €348 million Exchequer allocation for residential and community retrofit was announced as part of Budget 2023 to support the achievement of this target.
176. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when an annual support of €75 will be introduced for persons with lifelong, long-term medical incontinence to help them to meet the average annual cost of disposal of incontinence products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3982/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No 142 of 20th September 2022. The position is unchanged.
177. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of and amount of funding for heating systems upgrades installed broken down by heat source including from fossil fuel like oil and gas, and electric heat pump and so on for the warmer homes scheme and warmth and wellbeing scheme in 2022, in tabular form. [3984/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Heating systems upgrades are currently only provided in limited circumstances under the scheme (and under the Warmth and Wellbeing scheme which is now closed to new applications), usually in cases where there is no heating system in place or where the existing heating system is broken beyond repair. Additionally, these are usually only carried out where wall and/or attic insulation is taking place and where statutory ‘Major Renovations’ are triggered by that upgrade and a heating system upgrade is legally required under the Building Regulations. It should be noted that these are the only schemes administered by SEAI where installation of a new gas or oil heating system can be funded.
In order to move the scheme away from the installation of gas or oil heating systems where these Building Regulations are triggered, and to provide more extensive upgrades with decarbonised heating systems under the scheme, the National Retrofit Plan included a commitment to carry out a pilot to upgrade homes under the scheme to a B2 standard and install heat pumps. This pilot commenced on schedule in Q1 2022 and is gathering evidence to inform the appropriate process and approach – to increase the number of B2 upgrades and heat pumps installations delivered under this scheme.
Final figures for completions in 2022 across all schemes are currently being finalised by SEAI.
178. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the names of any advisers who have taken up employment in his Department since the Government rotation in December 2022; the annual salary they are being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4122/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the deputy is outlined in the table below:
|
Name |
Position |
Current Salary Scale |
|
Paul Kenny |
Policy Adviser to Minister Ryan |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 5 |
|
John McDonald |
Policy Adviser to Minister Ryan |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 3 |
|
Edel Hackett |
Press Adviser to Minister Ryan |
Principal Officer PPC - Point 1 |
|
|
|
|
The three advisors referenced above work across this Department and the Department of Transport with payment met through the Vote of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
All payments are made in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Ministerial Appointments and expenses circular and guidelines.
179. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide data associated with his Department’s air travel and air travel associated with agencies under the aegis of his Department (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4246/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with Circular 01/2020: Procedures for Offsetting the Emissions Associated with Official Air Travel, my Department has calculated, recorded and valued the greenhouse gas emissions for the relevant travel in accordance with the prevailing rate of Ireland’s domestic Carbon Tax.
The details of my Departments returns and payments to the Fund Manager of the Climate Action Fund are as follows:
|
Year |
CO2 Emissions (tonne) |
Monetary Value |
|
2020 |
44.273 |
€1,151.09 |
|
2021 |
23.297 |
€780.46 |
The return for 2022 is due before the end of February 2023 and will be made shortly. The details are:
|
2022 |
150.553 |
€6,172.67 |
The information sought by the Deputy regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
180. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the hydrogen strategy will be published; the objectives it is likely to contain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4318/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2022, my Department launched a public consultation to gather views on the potential role of hydrogen in our energy system. A significant number of responses were received which reflects the momentum building behind green hydrogen in Ireland. Work is now underway on developing a hydrogen strategy for Ireland, with an anticipated completion timeline of Q1 2023.
Hydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long duration energy storage, dispatchable renewable electricity, the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing and a potential export market opportunity, given Irelands offshore renewable potential. Last year, the Government also agreed the Sectoral Emission Ceilings. As part of this, we agreed an additional 2GW offshore wind to be allocated for the production of green hydrogen.
Key objectives of the hydrogen strategy will be to provide clarity on production targets for 2030, what end uses it is envisioned for and a roadmap of actions which will support Ireland in achieving its long term ambitions in respect of hydrogen.
181. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in Dublin south central that have applied for the fully-funded energy upgrade in the past two years; and the number of homes that have been upgraded. [4351/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.
The information sought is not available because SEAI does not compile data on a parliamentary constituency basis. However, SEAI have informed me that the total number of fully funded energy upgrades completed in County Dublin in the past two years under the Warmer Homes Scheme is 2,061.
