Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the criteria for the warmer homes scheme (details supplied) has changed recently and is affecting the completion of work that has already started; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5595/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the warmer homes scheme (WHS) on behalf of my Department. The scheme aims to provide energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The scheme, which is delivered through a combination of community-based organisations (CBOs) and a panel of private contractors, is available nationwide and was delivered to 24,291 homes in 2010. The scheme has addressed over 64,000 fuel poor homes since 2000 with a target delivery of an additional 17,500 homes in 2011.

The objective of the scheme is to assist the maximum number of vulnerable homes possible, and in particular to ensure that support is effectively targeted at the most vulnerable homes.

The key eligibility criteria for the scheme have been that the householder is in receipt of a fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit with some additional flexibility allowed for exceptional hardship cases. The fuel allowance is a supplementary allowance available to persons already in receipt of benefits including disability and invalidity benefit. However, the fuel allowance is means tested and is therefore the best available indicator of the lowest income and most vulnerable homes. In addition to utilising the fuel allowance criterion the SEAI and the community-based organisations work in close partnership with local networks of poverty and community support organisations including public health nurses, MABS and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to identify particularly vulnerable homes.

It would not be normal practice under the scheme for work to be started and not completed. If the Deputy wishes to forward details of specific instances to my office I would be happy to have my officials pursue the matter. Alternatively, queries in relation to individual applications can be addressed to the WHS hot line - 1800 250 204 where all queries from scheme applicants and public representatives are dealt with immediately.