Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason that a person would be ineligible for energy efficiency upgrades, such as attic and wall insulation, if they choose not to upgrade their heating system; the way in which his Department can include persons who use home heating oil in the retrofitting programme in order to help towards their household bills whilst also helping tackle climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58059/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Full details of the broad range of options available, the measures included, target cohort and criteria are set out on the SEAI website.

This year, demand and delivery across the range of SEAI retrofit schemes has been exceptionally high. As of end of October:

- Almost 41,000 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 18,400 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 59% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 3,600 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 122% increase on the same period last year.

- Almost 6,000 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – a 79% increase on the same period last year

My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023 and beyond.