Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
57. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures in place to ensure that households where a resident is medically dependent on electrically powered equipment, including 24-hour oxygen, are prioritised under the SEAI solar PV scheme vulnerable customer pathway; if such households are considered automatically eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31905/26]
View answer58. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether an appeals process exists for applicants refused support under the SEAI solar PV scheme vulnerable customer pathway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31907/26]
View answer59. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will publish the eligibility criteria and decision-making guidance used by SEAI staff when assessing applications under the solar PV scheme vulnerable customer pathway, including any criteria relating to medical dependency on electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31908/26]
View answer60. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider introducing a specific fast-track approval route under the SEAI solar PV scheme for households where electricity costs have increased significantly due to the presence of medically essential equipment such as oxygen concentrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31909/26]
View answer61. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review whether the current eligibility criteria for the SEAI solar PV scheme vulnerable customer pathway is fit for purpose given the significant increase in households caring for medically dependent relatives at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31910/26]
View answer62. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department engages with the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Health to ensure that households caring for medically dependent persons are protected from excessive electricity costs and supported through targeted energy upgrade grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31911/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 and 62 together.
The Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register where their home was built and occupied on or before 31 December 2020.
This register is maintained by the energy suppliers as required by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. The definition of Vulnerable Customers is set out in Regulation 2 of Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 463/2011.
Current best practice as conducted by suppliers allows customers to self-register as ‘priority vulnerable’ (those customers dependent on life protective equipment), or ‘special-services vulnerable’ (those customers who require additional protection from being unduly affected during the Winter months). A supplier may require a customer to demonstrate eligibility for inclusion on their register which may necessitate the provision of medical confirmation of vulnerability.
The Solar PV for Medically Vulnerable Scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with energy suppliers, with each energy supplier contacting their own eligible customers directly, in line with the work plans for their solar PV installers. Eligible households can avail of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system, including survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER.
It is important to note that suppliers, who manage the administrative aspects of the scheme under the SEAI, issue offers to eligible homeowners. Each participating supplier received an allocated amount of funding under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI and contacts eligible households in batches, based on operational capacity.
I am advised that over 470 systems were installed last year with expenditure of €2.4 million. This year will see a major expansion of delivery with an allocation of €11.7 million to support over 1,900 homes.
Government has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. I chair the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives of various Government Departments, including the Department of Social Protection and crucial energy sector stakeholders.
In relation to the availability of support under the Additional Needs Payment, operated by the Department of Social Protection, this can be provided in any circumstance where the Community Welfare Service Officer is satisfied that the need exists, and that the person concerned cannot meet that need from their own resources. Additional Needs Payments are designed to help people on low incomes who face difficulty in meeting essential costs, including as a consequence of cost-of-living increases. It includes an emergency facility for people who need help quickly to meet costs of essentials such as energy.
