Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the case of a person (details supplied) who has been approved for the SEAI warmer homes scheme will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5933/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

7,743 free upgrades were provided to low-income households in 2024. This represents an increase of 31% on 2023. The scheme has been delivering a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to €27,739 in 2024.

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

The average total waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, for homes completed in 2024 was 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.

Applicants can contact the 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 of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.

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 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/.