Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if extenuating priority consideration can be given to applicants for the one stop shop full grant house BER improvement scheme in cases in which a person is terminally ill and requires their home to be made warmer and more comfortable for health reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60588/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department funds a number of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme aims to provide free upgrades to homeowners on lower incomes who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments.The administration and management of applications under Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes is an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. 

Applications for the scheme that meet the eligibility criteria are dealt with in the order in which they are received but targets the worst performing homes by prioritising homes that were built and occupied before 1993 and have a pre-works BER of E, F or G. Health status is not part of the eligibility criteria under the scheme.

However, the Deputy may wish to note that there are other grants and schemes available from Government that could assist homeowners if there is an urgent need. These include the Department of Social Protection (DSP) Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices and the grants funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support housing adaptation and upgrade for older persons and people with a disability. 

SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.