Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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216. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if persons who received attic insulation only under the better energy warmer homes scheme are eligible to apply for the revised scheme which now includes internal and external wall insulation in view of the fact that such works were not available under the previous scheme; if not, his plans to include same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51273/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).  The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 130,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford heat their homes to an adequate level.

The aim of the scheme is to deliver a range of energy efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. This involves making difficult decisions and targeting supports like limiting eligibility to those in receipt of certain DEASP allowances, such as the Fuel Allowance, and limiting each home to one visit for an energy efficiency upgrade.  

Earlier this year, the scheme was expanded, to include internal and external wall insulation, in order to upgrade properties that were unsuitable for the measures that were previously available. This will also increase the energy savings and emissions reductions that  the scheme can achieve and will enable fuel switching.

While homes that previously received works under the scheme are not currently eligible for a second visit, consideration will be given to revisiting these properties in mid-2019, where feasible and appropriate.