Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the grant supports which are available to an individual who requires grant support for the replacement of double-glazed windows (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57735/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

Grant support for window and door replacement is available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One Stop Shop service), as well as under the Community Energy Grant Scheme, as part of a whole home upgrade solution to ensure that the home achieves a B2 rating or is suitable for the installation of a heat pump.

The Warmer Homes Scheme provides fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty. Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, windows are only upgraded in certain circumstances. Windows are only replaced where single glazed windows are in place, and where a primary measure of attic or wall insulation is also being installed. Appendix 1 of the scheme application guidelines: (www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf ) provides further details on the conditions for the various recommendations for energy efficiency upgrade measures, including the conditions for when replacement windows may be recommended.

The SEAI schemes do not fund windows and doors upgrades as a single measure. Individual grants are provided for measures such as wall and/or roof insulation which would typically be of a greater benefit to a homeowner in terms of energy savings.

The Government also has other schemes and supports in place delivered through the Department of Social Protection. The 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/

My officials engage with their counterparts in the SEAI on an ongoing basis in relation to the grant rates and the operation of the schemes, taking account of the overarching need to build a much bigger home upgrade sector, evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.