Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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320. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if SEAI grants can be made available to persons in homes in co-op schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18908/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Better Energy Programme which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department consists of the Better Energy Homes Scheme, Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and Better Energy Communities Scheme.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes (BEWH) Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, which meet the defined eligibility criteria. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage. The homes of the scheme beneficiaries are retrofitted free of charge, thus making those homes more energy efficient. The measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation.

Houses under the Government Voluntary Code for Housing Bodies qualify for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. A full list of the currently registered housing bodies is available at: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/voluntary-and-cooperative-housing/approved-housing-bodies-AHBs.

Applications for the BEWH scheme are dealt with on a first come, first served basis. Once an application is made, contractors operating on behalf of SEAI survey the home to determine what measures are most suitable for that home. Once a survey has been completed, homes are issued to SEAI’s panel of appointed contractors and works typically proceed within a matter of days. Demand for the scheme remains strong, clearly demonstrating its potential to continue to deliver energy efficiency gains and related benefits, such as reduced energy costs and better health outcomes.

Full details of all the schemes administered by SEAI are available from their website www.seai.ie/ or directly from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Wilton Park House, Wilton Park, Dublin, D02 T228.