Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider giving schools the option to apply for an energy audit with the SEAI as currently only registered businesses can apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45720/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The existing Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) is a support which has been developed for SMEs in carrying out energy audits.

While the Department of Education has responsibility for the maintenance and upgrades of schools, including energy related measures, my Department also funds a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy supports to public bodies, including schools. These supports are targeted at educating and enabling public bodies to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their activities. These schemes include:

- The Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education, provides capital supports through the SEAI to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings. The general principles of this scheme include demonstrating a strong and holistic commitment to energy management practices through participation in the Energy in Education Programme;

- The Energy in Education Programme, developed by the SEAI in partnership with the Department of Education, provides basic energy management training and knowledge sharing for schools. The Programme includes advice, mentoring and assessment to identify short and longer term energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities. The programme also offers energy advisory and mentoring supports;

- The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme, an energy management and advisory programme, provides comprehensive support and engagement, including training and the sharing of best practices, to guide public sector bodies and schools in delivering energy efficiency improvements; and

- The Communities Energy Grant Scheme, which is designed to encourage and support home retrofit, as well as energy efficiency upgrades in commercial, public (including schools), community and voluntary sector facilities.

Information specifically relating to schools is available at www.seai.ie/community-energy/schools/save-energy-at-school/