Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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154. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is prepared to address a policy anomaly in respect of the SEAI solar PV scheme that has seen the exclusion of an individual (details supplied) and potential other homeowners from access to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55929/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is open to houses built and occupied prior to 1 January 2021.?The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3?requirement was?removed?and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built?prior to 2011, to those built prior to?2021.??This has already significantly increased access to the scheme, which received a record number of applications during 2022. In 2023, this level was surpassed by August, making this another record year.

Targeting the grant scheme at existing homes rather than newer builds, ensures that the grants available through the SEAI maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible, whilst also ensuring efficient and effective use of exchequer funding.?New?build houses must?follow?Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements.

There are options to meet this requirement under the standard by including heat pumps and/or Solar PV, with the cost of installing Solar PV systems during the new build process significantly lower than for existing homes. Consequently, such houses already enjoy significantly higher energy performance and resultant reduced electricity demand, compared with older homes.

In this instance, my Department has forwarded this question to the SEAI for further clarification in relation to the specific issues raised.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 161 together.

The eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme are linked to certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) 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 ensuring that resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact.

The Widow's Pension is not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes scheme. However, households where someone is in receipt of the Widow's Pension may also qualify to receive Fuel Allowance, or another one of the relevant DSP payments. This would be subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and/or means test. My Department has no function in relation to DSP schemes, means testing or payments.

A range of supports are also available for those that do not qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which were tripled in value last year, to urgently reduce energy use and cost 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 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.