Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
291. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the process and policy that exist within the SEAI to ensure consistency and fairness in the application of grant criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73714/25]
View answer292. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason approval for support for works was not granted at a home (details supplied), given neighbouring homes with matching parameters were approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73715/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is responsible for the administration of a range of home energy upgrade schemes funded by my Department.
These include: fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme; individual energy upgrade grants under the Better Energy Homes Scheme; the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme for an end-to-end service through One Stop Shops; and the Community Energy Grant Scheme for energy efficiency upgrades as part of a community project.
Different eligibility requirements apply to each SEAI scheme. Details on the eligibility rules that apply are available on the SEAI’s website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants
The SEAI administer the schemes in line with a code of practice, technical guidance documents and the SEAI Customer Charter. They also operate a quality assurance programme to monitor and maintain contractor standards.
Under the schemes, the general principle applies that grant funding can only be issued once per measure per property. However, under the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme, a homeowner undertaking a deep retrofit on their dwelling may, in some circumstances, be permitted to avail of a second grant for a wall insulation measure where it is recommended in the One Stop Shop Home Energy Assessment to achieve the B2 and heat pump target as part of a single upgrade project. The SEAI will be happy to advise individual homeowners of the grants available in their particular circumstances.
It is important to note that the grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer.
