Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason that persons who are in receipt of the blind pension and invalidity pension are not automatically eligible for a Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland fully-funded energy upgrade given the findings of a report (details supplied) commissioned by the Department of Social Protection; if he will consider a review of the grant to ensure that people receiving these payments automatically qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53562/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Eligibility for the Scheme is linked to receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented the Department’s view on those areas where the resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.

I understand that the Blind Pension and the Invalidity Pension are qualifying payments 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.

All information on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is available on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes.