Mr. Ken Cleary:

This is a little bit beyond the remit of the SEAI and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, but it is important to note that the eligibility for the warmer homes scheme has been considerably expanded by the Government over the past few years, particularly through expansions of eligibility for the fuel allowance. The income threshold for those over the age of 70 is now €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. If someone is in receipt of the fuel allowance, they are eligible for the warmer homes scheme. Similarly, a number of income disregards have been introduced to the means test for the fuel allowance, and that has considerably expanded it.