Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

505. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the review on the SEAI scheme to consider revisits for additional works under the scheme will be completed; when urgent consideration for applications will be reopened for homeowners that are seeking to avail of free upgrades under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10346/20]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 140,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The Warmer Homes Scheme budget allocation for 2020 is €52.8 million - a record level of funding for this scheme. The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. Recommendations on issues including repeat upgrade visits and how to best target those in need will be made shortly.

Although retrofit work under the scheme has been postponed in recent months due to COVID-19 related restrictions, the SEAI has continued to accept new applications and process payments for works completed.  SEAI will now engage directly with its panel of retrofit contractors providing services under the Warmer Homes Scheme, to agree a timeline, protocols and processes for resumption of works on homes which can be categorised as lower risk.  The SEAI hopes to conclude this process very speedily and recommence works within Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.  Notices on this scheme and other schemes administered by the SEAI can be found on their website (www.seai.ie/covid-19-notice).