Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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453. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an assessment of a property will be carried out for a person (details supplied) to allow access of heating upgrade works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/19]

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 at no cost to low income households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. As Minister, I have no function in relation to individual grant applications under the Scheme.

In reference to the case raised by the Deputy, the SEAI has informed my officials that the applicant previously received works under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme in 2011. The rules of the Scheme stipulate that repeat upgrade visits are not provided. This rule is in place to ensure that the available Exchequer funding provides upgrades to as many eligible homes as possible. The SEAI also informed my officials that it attempted to contact the applicant directly by phone on a number of occasions to clarify the position but were unsuccessful. In addition, I understand that correspondence in relation to this matter was sent by the SEAI to the Deputy last month.

While not eligible for additional support under this Scheme, the applicant may wish to contact the relevant Local Authority and/or the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to ascertain whether other supports may be available to them.