Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

213. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the percentage of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy funds for energy efficiency in buildings that have been spent. [5994/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Cohesion Policy is an important tool to stimulate economic growth, promote social cohesion and to reduce disparities between the regions of the EU, and EU Structural and Investment Funding is comprised of the following:

- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

- European Social Fund (ESF)

- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

- European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

- Cohesion Fund (CF)

Ireland no longer qualifies for the Cohesion Fund.

The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, has overall responsibility for EU Cohesion Policy and primary responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  The Minister for Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has primary responsibility for the ESF.  The Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine has responsibility for the EAFRD and the EMFF.  

The policy context for the application of these funds is set out in Ireland's Partnership Agreement () which is the overarching strategic document governing the ESI Funds. 

With regard to energy efficiency in buildings, this falls under Priority Four (P4) of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  The current funding allocation for P4 for both ERDF Operational Programmes 2014-2020 in Ireland is approximately €157.7m.  To date claims for approximately €118.7m or 75.25% of this funding has been submitted to the Commission, which leaves approximately €39m or 24.75%, which it is envisaged will be submitted by programme closure. All funding under the ERDF is reimbursed at 50% by the EU Commission.