John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

218. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount expended to date on the energy refurbishment scheme for persons on fuel allowance that have respiratory conditions; the budget for 2017; the anticipated budget for 2018; the number of homes that have been dealt with under this scheme to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47358/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Warmth and Wellbeing scheme is a pilot initiative being delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The main aim of the scheme, which began in 2016, is to demonstrate the positive effects that making homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people in energy poverty who are living with a chronic respiratory condition. An independent research project will assess the impact the scheme is having. At the conclusion of the scheme, and with independent evidence on its effectiveness, the potential for a wider rollout will be considered.

In total, 312 homes have been upgraded so far under the scheme, with another 184 homes currently having work done. A further 118 homes are at survey stage. There is an additional list of of applicants who have been referred to the scheme as applications are coming in every week. This list will expand over the winter months and those people will have their upgrades carried out as early as possible in 2018. This type of work cannot always take place during the winter months.

I expect to allocate at least €20m in funding in total to this three year (2016-2018) pilot to provide for the upgrade of at least 1,500 homes. This is the minimum size needed to develop the evidence base on the impact on the health outcomes of participants of making their homes more energy efficient and warmer, and make the business case for a wider rollout of the scheme.

The Deputy may also be aware that the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is available on a nationwide basis to low income households who are at risk of energy poverty. More information on this scheme is available on SEAI’s website at: or Freephone: 1800 250 204