Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 374: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the breakdown of the warmer homes scheme by geographical area; the number of applicants for each area in 2009 and to date in 2010; the waiting lists for each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21378/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty. The scheme is delivered using two modes of delivery, community based organisations (CBOs) of which 23 have been approved to date, and a panel of private contractors. CBOs work in partnership with their local network of poverty and community support organisations including public health nurses, MABS and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to identify and address vulnerable homes. Through this devolution model each CBO is responsible for managing the applications in their own operational areas. SEAI is therefore not directly involved in the application process where CBOs are involved. Private contractors were engaged on a pilot basis in 2009 to address the increasing demand for the scheme. Through these mechanisms, the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) was delivered to 16,240 homes in 2009. A further 2,886 homes received similar measures through the ESB's Home Insulation Scheme in 2009.

I am pleased to report that the WHS is now available nationwide using a dual model of delivery with CBOs in their set geographical areas and private contractors extending the geographic reach of the programme while also providing deeper measures including central heating in certain homes. The waiting time for the WHS varies, and is generally between 3 and 6 months. SEAI with the combined use of CBOs and contractors is actively working towards reducing waiting time for the scheme, making it as accessible as possible to those in most need and providing a consistent delivery of the scheme nationwide. More generally the Deputy may wish to note that a dedicated hot line - 1800 250 204 – has been in operation for some time and all queries, from scheme applicants and public representatives, on delivery dates for individual households and/or funding agreements are dealt with immediately. In addition, the WHS programme manager, Mr. Michael Martin of the SEAI, is available to deal with queries on 042 939 1548. The availability of both points of contact ensures that there is no delay in dealing with specific queries related to the delivery of the WHS.

The number and location of recipients of the WHS and the Home Insulation scheme in 2009 and the WHS to date in 2010 are as follows: