Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023

Thursday, 22 June 2023

Questions (163)

Michael Lowry

Question:

163. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide clarification on the reasons an applicant (details supplied) to the warmer homes scheme was refused funding for new windows; if the applicant's urgent medical needs were taken into consideration during the assessment process by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; what specific criteria or guidelines are followed by the SEAI when evaluating applications which may need window replacements under the warmer homes scheme; if there are any provisions or exceptions in place to accommodate applicants with urgent medical needs, especially when it pertains to improving indoor air quality, insulation and overall living conditions; in light of the applicant's urgent medical needs, what alternative solutions or recommendations can be provided to ensure their health and well-being are adequately addressed within the framework of the warmer homes scheme, as it is crucial to understand the rationale behind the refusal and to ascertain if appropriate consideration was given to the applicant's urgent medical requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Warmer Homes Scheme provides fully funded upgrades to households at risk of energy poverty. SEAI administer the scheme on behalf of my Department. As Minister I have no function in relation to individual applications to the scheme.

To qualify for the scheme an applicant must own and live in the home they are applying for works for. In addition, the home must have been built and occupied before 2006 and the household must be in receipt of a relevant Department of Social Protection payment. No exceptions to these criteria can be made. There is a very high level of demand for the scheme, and the current waiting time from application to works being carried out is approximately 22.5 months.

When applications are received by SEAI they are first assessed on a first come first served basis to determine eligibility of the applicant and whether any Building Energy Rating-based prioritisation will apply. Homes with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G and with a year of construction of pre-1993 are prioritised for survey and works. No other prioritisation applies under any circumstances.

In addition to being an eligible applicant the property must be suitable for one or more measures from the range of works available under the scheme. The suitability of a home is determined by an SEAI Surveyor at the Survey Stage.

The surveyor recommends upgrades that are suitable for the given property. These will be based on factors such as the property’s age, size, existing heating system and condition. 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 recommendation for energy efficiency upgrade measures, including the conditions for where replacement windows may be recommended.

Given the demand and associated cycle times for the scheme it is not a suitable avenue for urgent home repair needs. There are other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance in these situations. 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.