Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The warmer homes scheme targets support to those most in need and living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact. To that end, eligibility for the scheme is linked to a number of Department of Social Protection payments. Homeowners can check their eligibility for the scheme through a recently launched online application feature on the website of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland or can apply in writing to SEAI. Applications are assessed on the basis of the date of application to SEAI, with priority then given to those living in the worst performing homes with building energy ratings of E, F and G. We discussed that issue earlier.

The scheme eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, together with the Department of Social Protection, to ensure they are consistent with, and complementary to, the other income support schemes offered by that Department. The scheme is very popular, with 24,000 applications received over the past two years, and there are no current plans to amend the eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that households where someone is in receipt of an invalidity pension may also qualify for one of the Department of Social Protection payments eligible for the warmer homes scheme, such as the fuel allowance. However, this would be subject to the household meeting the relevant Department of Social Protection operational guidelines and means test, where required. In this regard, my Department has no function in relation to the Department of Social Protection schemes, means testing or payments. There are other supports available for people who do not meet the qualifying criteria for upgrades under the warmer homes scheme, which include part-funded SEAI grants, housing adaptation grants under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the supplementary welfare allowance-additional needs payment from the Department of Social Protection.

See this speech in context