Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

190. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an application for the warmer homes scheme can be expedited for a vulnerable elderly person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3002/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.

However, individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no function in relation to individual applications. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works.

The applicant can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf on applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie. for a swift response.

The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance.

- The Housing Aid for Older People scheme can provide a grant for essential repairs to make it possible for an older person to continue living in their home, such as providing central heating and repairing and replacing roofs, doors and windows. Applications for this scheme are assessed on the basis of financial and medical need and are managed by the relevant Local Authority. The Housing Section of Donegal County Council Donegal County Council (donegalcoco.ie) can provide further information on this scheme.

- An Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/