Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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601. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the review of criteria to include persons in receipt of partial capacity in the eligibility criteria for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's warmer home grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43545/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households who meet the defined eligibility criteria and who are vulnerable to energy poverty. Recipients of the scheme do not receive grants but have measures installed free of charge. In 2012 the eligibility criteria for the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme were broadened in an attempt to capture more households at risk of energy poverty. To be eligible for the Warmer Homes scheme now a person must be in receipt of just one of the following;

- Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme;

- Job seekers allowance for more than six months and with children under 7;

- Family Income Support.

In 2015, I published a consultation paper on developing a new Government strategy on affordable energy and this consultation paper sought views on whether the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme were adequate. The responses received from this consultation are under consideration and I expect to release a new Affordable Energy Strategy in January 2016.