Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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91. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on an application for a warmer home scheme upgrade by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26206/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.

Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €24,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.

Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no function in relation to such 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.

For the homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022. SEAI advise that it can take 8-10 months from date of application to the pre-works BER assessment.

The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:

• The Department of Social Protection's 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/.
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.