Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In recent weeks I have received a growing number of complaints from constituents regarding the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI ranging from a lack of communications, lengthy delays in processing applications and long waits for assessments and the appointment of contractors. The list of complaints is growing and more and more people have been affected. The warmer homes scheme is supposed to provide fully funded home upgrades for those on some social welfare benefits but we are seeing instances of pensioners and people with disabilities being told they will have to wait a minimum of two years to have their energy upgrades carried out. I have one case in County Tipperary of a pensioner in his late eighties who waited two and a half years for the works he cannot afford and in the end his application was refused. In another instance, a visually impaired man was told that the old aluminium windows and doors in his house could not be replaced as he had previously insulated his walls and attic. This happened after him waiting for more than a year for the SEAI to proceed with his application. If extra staffing is required, this should be addressed. The Government needs to seriously look at the efficiency, communications and services of this State-funded body.

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