Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1000. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the warmer home scheme is taking up to 18 months to have applications processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2854/20]

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, who meet the defined eligibility criteria.

In 2019, €39.8 million was allocated to the Scheme with over 3,000 homes upgraded. Budget 2020 announced an allocation for the scheme in 2020 of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme.

Notwithstanding this increased budget for the scheme, the current very high level of demand directly impacts waiting times, with the duration between applying for the scheme and having works carried out currently averaging at 18 months. Applications for the scheme are processed on a first come first served basis. The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including how to reduce waiting times. This review is nearing completion.