Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the delivery of the warmer homes scheme. For 15 years, I believe, community based, community-led organisations have been delivering the warmer homes scheme for the SEAI. It has become apparent that there will be a shortfall of €1.8 million if 13 community based organisations, CBOs, are to continue this work, which would deliver 660 units across the 13 CBOs. If they have no work to do, it is likely that their boards will have to consider closures, layoffs and staff redundancies. This would result in significant job losses - approximately 60 to 70 immediately - among a skilled workforce. It is ironic and contradictory that all this is happening at a time when the Government is planning to have 50,000 homes retrofitted per annum. To enable the CBOs to continue operating in 2019, we will require the SEAI to allocate approximately €1.8 million. This always happens at this time of year. The SEAI allocates funding to ensure homes are retrofitted. The CBOs, including IRD Duhallow, South Kerry Development Partnership and North & East Kerry Development, have done so much good work for their communities. What has happened? Is the Government leaving the Department short of funding? It is just €1.8 million we are talking about. These skilled people will be let go. What is happening with the funding? Is it being shut down for the rest of the year? I would be grateful if the delegates could answer and tell me what is happening.