Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I particularly welcome the Minister of State's confirmation regarding the particular criteria I outlined, when he stated:

For the first time, applications will be accepted from qualifying homeowners who previously received supports under the scheme but who could still benefit from even deeper measures. This means that applicants will now be able to have a second visit under the scheme.

It has now been confirmed in response to a parliamentary question and the Minister of State has come before the House and confirmed it. I ask that we make sure the SEAI is also aware of this change and that this is being communicated to those people who apply.

The scheme is very widely supported and it is hugely beneficial to people on very low incomes. I particularly welcome the extension to those on disability allowance for more than six months because that brings in a further catchment for what is a very important scheme. In many cases, these may be homeowners who purchased their homes from local authorities but who still may be on very limited income. I welcome the two clarifications and ask the Minister of State to go further and ensure that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, has communicated this change effectively to the SEAI and that it is reporting that back to those people who make applications.

On waiting times, a commitment that we would clear the backlog in the next 18 months is welcome. I would like it to go further, as I am sure would the Minister of State. Have we taken fully into account the increased role for the sector under this scheme as well as other measures? The comments by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science earlier about further education are something we should be taking into account. If there is an option for someone to take up an apprenticeship and specialise in insulation, I would tell the mothers and fathers of Ireland there is plenty of work in the area. I welcome the equality being given to further education and apprenticeships in the CAO scheme.

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