Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the proposals, if any, to introduce additional financial supports for persons, particularly for those on low incomes, who wish to retrofit their homes; if his attention has been drawn to the long delays in sourcing support from existing schemes; if a grant aid scheme can be introduced to ensure that unacceptable delays are eliminated in having applications processed and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62456/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.

The support available under the scheme is significant, with an average cost of upgrades provided per home under the scheme so far this year of €18,750, reflecting the increase in the range and depth of measures supported.

Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list is a top priority for my Department and SEAI.

In order to achieve a doubling of monthly average completions to 400 this year, the following actions have already been taken:

- The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million):

- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;

- SEAI is working to Increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.

The budget for the scheme will be further increased for next year.

It is important to note that in recognition of the increase in energy prices over recent months, Budget 2023 provides that all domestic electricity customers will get €600 credit to help reduce electricity bills. The credit will be paid in 3 instalments of €200 each in November 2022, and January and March 2023. Households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance will get an additional once-off payment of €400 in November 2022.

On 13 December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023, including people on PAYG meters. The fund will provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from suppliers and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.

There are also supports for people in difficulty paying their energy bills, such as the supplier hardship funds or the Additional Needs Payment scheme run by the Department of Social Protection.