Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of this low-income household not being in a position to apply for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland warmer homes scheme; if he will advise them on the best route forward, given they are unable to afford energy upgrades in their own right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9500/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme (Fully Funded Energy Upgrade Scheme) are mainly linked to Department of Social Protection (DSP) means tested payments. Priority is then given to those living in the worst performing homes, with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G. These criteria are in place with the aim of targeting the support to those on the lowest incomes in the least efficient homes, so that the resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact. The eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, together with the DSP, to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.

Householders should contact the DSP to determine whether they are eligible for any of the Warmer Homes eligible payments, such as the Fuel Allowance. However, this would be subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment. My Department has no function in relation to DSP schemes, means testing or payments.

For those that do not meet the qualifying criteria for free upgrades, the Government also provides supports to homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Included in these supports are grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which were tripled in value last year, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s overall response to high energy prices and the increased cost of living. Details are available on SEAI’s website at www.seai.ie/grants

There are also other Government grants and schemes available that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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137. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide a list of social welfare payments which qualify a person for the SEAI fully-funded energy upgrades; if he will provide a list of the social welfare payments that do not qualify a person; the rationale for same; if the scope will be broadened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9565/23]

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. A record budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme for 2023. The average cost per home completed in the last three months of 2022 was €21,376.

The eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme are mainly linked to Department of Social Protection (DSP) means tested payments. Priority is then given to those living in the worst performing homes, with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G. These criteria target the support to those on the lowest incomes in the least efficient homes, so that the resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact. There are no plans currently to amend the eligibility criteria.

Households in receipt of the following DSP payments can apply for the Warmer Homes Scheme:

- Fuel Allowance;

- Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);

- Working Family Payment;

- One-Parent Family Payment;

- Disability Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);

- Domiciliary Care Allowance;

- Carer’s Allowance where you live with the person you are caring for.

For those that do not meet the qualifying criteria for free upgrades, the Government also provides other supports to homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Included in these supports are grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which were tripled in value last year. Details are available on SEAI’s website at www.seai.ie/grants . A programme of retrofitting for Local Authority Housing is also being funded through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

There are also other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.