John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the new retrofitting grants for homeowners will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11938/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The recently launched National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. It is expected that the One-Stop-Shops will be distributed across Ireland, with a considerable number offering services nationwide through their network of contractors throughout the country. Other One-Stop-Shops will likely work within geographic regions. This will ensure that every home can benefit from the One-Stop-Shop service on offer.As part of the new Scheme, a new system is being established by the SEAI which will streamline and automate the grant application process. Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop is now open. A number of One-Stop-Shops have already applied and it is expected that following the necessary process the first will be registered shortly. Homeowners will then be able to make applications for upgrades under the new Scheme.