Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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247. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the analysis of the warmth and well-being scheme that was carried out by a university (details supplied) commenced; when preliminary results were presented to his Department; when the final report will be presented to his Department; the total funding allocated to date for the research; the total funding drawn down to date for the research; if the institution concerned has issued an apology for its failure to provide research in a timely manner in order that it can facilitate policy development in this area by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30948/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme aims to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions. The scheme is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Health and was jointly administered by the Health Service Executive and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Since 2016, almost 1,500 homes have received free upgrades to their homes, including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed. Given that the research element of the scheme has now closed to participants having reached a sufficient number, new applications for the scheme ceased on 28 February. Existing applicants are receiving their upgrades in line with the existing terms and conditions.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were engaged in April 2017 to carry out, in collaboration with the HSE, an independent analysis of the health impacts of improved energy efficiency among the participants in the research element of this scheme. The LSHTM has been working closely with the research committee for the project, which consists of officials from my Department, the HSE, the Department of Health and the SEAI since then. An interim report including preliminary results was submitted to my Department in December 2021 and the final results and draft final report are due in the coming weeks. The value of the contract is €162,378.41 and to date the LSHTM have received payment of €107,812.80 excluding VAT.

Delays in completing this work have been due to various unavoidable issues including data protection in light of the introduction of the GDPR, Brexit – as the researcher is based in the UK, and the COVID-19 pandemic which meant that some HSE staff were unable to work on the data collection and management for this project for a period of time.

The Exchequer investment in this scheme has significantly improved the warmth and comfort of the homes involved. The interim report has indicated that the upgrades are also delivering benefits to the health and wellbeing of participants. Participants have also reported needing fewer GP and hospital visits, fewer prescriptions for antibiotics as well as increased engagement with other support services in the community.

The learnings from the scheme have already influenced the development of policy for other SEAI schemes, in particular in relation to improving the customer journey and working with vulnerable homeowners. The details of how the scheme can further inform Government’s approaches to retrofitting, especially with regard to those who are more vulnerable and at risk of energy poverty, will be considered when the final findings of the analysis are available.