Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason that persons in receipt of an invalidity pension have been excluded from the assistance remit of the new retrofit scheme; if they will be added as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8488/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government has recently approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.

The key measures include:

- a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently)

- One Stop Shops to offer a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades

- a significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme (400 per month – up from an average of 177 per month in 2021)

- a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices

- an Exchequer investment of €8 billion to 2030 will enable the supply chain to scale up, creating thousands of high quality jobs and delivering on this critical national objective.

Households in receipt of an Invalidity Pension, whose homes meet the eligibility criteria, can apply for support including  whole home upgrade grants under the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme and  individual grants for energy efficiency measures.

Free upgrades available under the Warmer Homes scheme are currently available to households who are in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments including the Fuel Allowance.  I understand that the Invalidity Pension is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant means test.