Written Answers Nos. 1-16
1. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on Ireland's response to the publication of the Draghi Report; if Ireland's submission will be published; if a consultation on Ireland's draft submission will be held; the timeline for the development of Ireland's response to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45751/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the beginning of the new EU institutional cycle, Ireland is keen to play its part in shaping the European policy agenda. This has included conducting an initial, cross-departmental analysis on the recent reports by Enrico Letta “Much More than a Market” and Mario Draghi “The Future of European Competitiveness”. This work commenced immediately following the publication of the Draghi Report in early September.
Overall, Ireland agrees with Draghi’s view that Europe faces an urgent competitiveness challenge that needs to be addressed. The EU’s future prosperity depends on our ability to ensure that the EU remains an attractive and innovative place to invest and do business, with all Member States able to contribute and benefit. With that in mind, Ireland has identified a number of policy priorities which were the focus of our response:
• Revitalising and strengthening the Single Market, particularly in services, through the new Single Market Strategy and through application of rigorous competition policy and robust state aid rules;
• Focussing on SMEs and supporting them in scaling up in Europe, which will facilitate them in expanding into global markets;
• Supporting measures on simplification and reduction of the regulatory burden, while maintaining high ambition in terms of environmental protection standards;
• Prioritising an EU wide approach to deployment and investment in grid infrastructure.
Ireland’s initial assessment on the Letta and Draghi reports was shared with the European Commission this week, and will be used by officials in Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU in advocating and communicating Ireland’s positions.
In developing the initial assessment, officials within my Department have consulted across Government Departments and drew on a wide range of published positions and research on these reports.
2. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the referendum to grant voting rights to Irish citizens living outside the State in Presidential elections will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enabling legislation required in order to hold such a referendum is currently before Dáil Éireann (the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill).
This legislation must be approved by both the Dáil and Seanad before the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage can then make an order setting the day upon which a referendum will take place.
3. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs with reference to his account to Dáil Éireann on 10 October 2024 concerning reports of illegal transportation of weapons through Irish airspace and his confirmation that the Department of Transport is carrying out an examination to determine whether there may have been a breach of the applicable law, if he agrees that the current situation is extremely urgent in view of sustained Israeli bombing of the civilian population in Gaza, resulting in over 42,000 Palestinians killed and expansion of Israeli aggression against the population of neighbouring Lebanon with a resultant death-toll approaching 3,000; if he is aware of the recent statement the U.N. Human Rights chief that the darkest moment of the conflict in Gaza is unfolding in the north of the territory and that Israel's actions could amount to atrocity crimes; how much longer we must wait for an assurance that Ireland is not complicit in the supply of the means to carry out these acts of genocide; if he will immediately share the results of the examination, or provide a date by which we will receive it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45656/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe continuation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon is unacceptable. Reports of dozens of deaths in the past week alone are a brutal reminder of the ongoing death and destruction that the people of Gaza are enduring. I am especially concerned about reports of further attacks on hospitals and medical facilities, which are particularly egregious with devastating consequences for the most vulnerable. Ireland has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and a massive scale-up of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Ireland is also working with international partners to step up our efforts to implement the two-State solution. I am convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security in the region.
In recent weeks there have been allegations made that munitions of war have been included in the cargo of flights flying through Irish sovereign airspace. These allegations name several different air operators. The Minister for Transport has confirmed that his Department is engaging with those air operators and working to identify the nature of the cargo concerned. This work is ongoing and will seek to ensure that any action taken is on the basis of established facts. I underline that it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign airspace, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport. The system of exemptions is operated by the Department of Transport under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989. Questions relating to the timeframe and nature of the examination of these allegations should be directed to the Department of Transport for response.
4. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of recent unfounded, allegations against the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories; if he agrees that these spurious accusations deliberately misrepresent her criticism of Israeli acts of genocide and her defence of international human rights law; if he totally rejects these allegations; if he reaffirms the significance of the role and mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur in defence of international human rights law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45657/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland supports the important role that UN Special Procedures mandate holders play in the international human rights system. Their work contributes to the development of international human rights standards and helps to raise public awareness on human rights issues. Both I and my officials will continue to defend the important role undertaken by all such mandate holders.
Ireland regularly engages with the current holder of the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, in the context of the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. Ms Albanese presented her most recent Report during an Interactive Dialogue with the UN Third Committee on 30 October, during which Ireland engaged with the Special Rapporteur and UN Member States, stressing the importance of respect for human rights, and the obligation to ensure the protection of civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law.
The urgent need to address the conflict in the Middle East remains a priority for Ireland in our work at the UN. This includes ongoing support for efforts to achieve a ceasefire and hostage release deal and ensure the supply of humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza, as well as our efforts to advance the two-state solution.
5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the recent ICJ ruling which indicates that states have an obligation to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with illegal Israeli settlements, if he will provide a clear indication of the specific reasons there is now a need to delay the enactment of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 further, in view of the fact that all political parties in Dáil Éireann have publicly expressed support for the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45658/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 19 July 2024 the International Court of Justice delivered its Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
The Court’s principal conclusions were that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and that Israel is under an obligation to end its unlawful presence in the OPT as rapidly as possible.
In particular, the Court considered that all states have a duty to distinguish in their dealings with Israel between its own territory and the OPT. This duty includes an obligation to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the OPT.
While the Court’s advisory opinion is not in itself legally binding, it represents an authoritative statement of applicable international law, which is binding on all states and international organisations.
Ireland subsequently co-sponsored a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 18 September 2024 which seeks to implement the Court’s advisory opinion. The resolution elaborated on the obligations arising for Israel, all states, and international organisations from Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the sphere of trade.
The Taoiseach sought updated legal advice from the Attorney General in relation to the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018, having regard to the Court’s advisory opinion.
The Government has decided, in light of the Court’s advisory opinion and the Attorney General’s updated advice, to engage with the sponsor of the Bill with a view to preparing the amendments necessary to ensure that it is compatible with EU law and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. The Government’s analysis is that substantive amendments will be required.
The Government has now taken the necessary steps to facilitate the further consideration of this Bill in Dáil Éireann, and both I and officials within my Department have had constructive engagements with the sponsor of the Bill.
The preparation of the necessary amendments will require further consultation with relevant Government Departments, as well as with the Attorney General, and any such amendments will require to be approved by the Government before being introduced at the appropriate stage in the Dáil.
In the interim Ireland, together with like-minded EU member states, will continue to press within the EU for steps to be taken with a view to preventing trade or investment that may assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the OPT.
6. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the sanctions that the Government have imposed on Israel in response to the genocide it is currently conducting against the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45824/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe urgent need to address the conflict in the Middle East remains a priority for Ireland. This includes ongoing support for efforts to achieve a ceasefire and hostage release deal and ensure the supply of humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza, as well as our efforts to advance the two-state solution.
I have underlined my strong support for EU sanctions targeting violent or extreme Israeli settlers. I welcome that the European Union has adopted successive rounds of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, in April and in July of this year.
We have seen further instances of settler violence and it is important that further listings are considered. This is a matter I have raised with my European counterparts at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, including at the meeting of the FAC on 14 October. I therefore welcome that the European Council in its Conclusions of 17 October agreed to take work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers and against entities and organisations which support them.
I will also continue my intensive engagement with EU and regional partners to take concrete steps which demonstrate the Union’s commitment to the restoration of a political horizon towards the full realisation of the two-State solution.
7. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects the increases to Eir and An Post pensions as agreed earlier this year to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both MECC and MPENDR to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme ("the scheme").
On June 21st, 2024, An Post wrote to my Department seeking consent for amendments to the scheme, namely a 2% increase for pensions in payment and deferred pensions with effect from January 2024. In line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and transfer of powers from Min/Finance to MPENDR which are contained in the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, Ministerial consent was granted and was conveyed to An Post on 21 of October 2024.
I hope you will appreciate that as the operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes, I cannot comment on when the approved increase will be received.
I can confirm to the Deputy that I have authorised the pension increase of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme, with concurrence of the Minister for Finance. My Department has informed both eir, and the trustee’s representative, of the approval.
8. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average all in costs and the average grant, for the installation of a 3kw, 4kw and 5kw solar photovoltaic system under the domestic solar PV scheme, in 2023 and to date in 2024. [45602/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data set out in the table below, as provided by the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI), shows the average all in costs and the average grant for the installation of a 3kw, 4kw and 5kw solar pv system under the Domestic Solar PV Scheme in 2023 and to date in 2024. Please note that all cost information is self-reported by the applicant or installer as part of the application process and cannot be verified by SEAI.
|
Year 2023 |
|
|
|
|
System Size Range |
Average size of system |
Average Cost |
Average Grant |
|
up to 3 kWp (3kWp inclusive) |
2.6 |
€8,600 |
€1,989 |
|
>3kWp to 4kWp (4kWp inclusive) |
3.7 |
€11,871 |
€2,304 |
|
>4kWp to 5kWp (5kWp inclusive) |
4.6 |
€13,895 |
€2,400 |
|
>5kWP |
6.5 |
€17,975 |
€2,404 |
|
Year 2024 Q1-Q3 |
|
|
|
|
System Size range |
Average size of System |
Average Cost |
Average Grant |
|
up to 3 kWp (3kWp inclusive |
2.7 |
€8,203 |
€1,874 |
|
>3kWp to 4kwp (4kWp inclusive |
3.7 |
€9,410 |
€2,200 |
|
>4kWp to 5kwp (5kWp inclusive |
4.5 |
€12,915 |
€2,270 |
|
>5kWp |
6.7 |
€12,431 |
€2,278 |
9. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the work of the national demand strategy implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the National Energy Demand Strategy and regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation.
CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members at oireachtas@cru.ie, which enables them to raise matters directly to the CRU.
10. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the safeguards he has put in place to ensure that the deposit return scheme will not lead to price rises for households for waste collection services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45618/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans is one of the most positive consumer behaviour initiatives to happen in this country for decades.
So far, over 680 million containers have been returned and €117 million in deposits has been refunded to consumers. The major milestone of half a billion containers was reached in mid-September and in August, a return rate of 73% of containers placed on the market was achieved by Re-turn, placing Ireland well on track to achieve our first EU collection target of 77% by the end of 2025.
My Department is aware of concerns raised by the waste collection industry on the impact they claim the DRS is having on kerbside household recycling collection. It remains to be established if the impact on recyclables collectors’ revenues could be positive or negative. My Departmental officials are currently engaging with the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) and other stakeholders such as Repak – to quantify what substantive impact, if any, the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme will have on the waste collection system in Ireland over the longer term.
Household waste collection in Ireland is mainly carried out by private companies – operating in a competitive market under a local authority permit system. The Deputy may wish to note that I will shortly commission a comprehensive study to explore the feasibility, potential benefits and risks associated with transitioning our waste collection system from its current model of side-by-side market competition to a franchise tendering system for local authority areas or regions.
11. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average wait time from filing an application for the SEAI warmer home scheme. [45625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households in or at risk of energy poverty is a top priority for the Government. Since 2000 over 161,190 homes have been upgraded under this scheme. The target for retrofits completed this year under the scheme is 6,325. To end October 6,289 homes have already been upgraded.
In recent years, the scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen an almost tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to €26,464 in 2024. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting to a far greater extent from the scheme. However, it is important to acknowledge that deeper retrofits take longer to complete.
The improvement in the upgrades provided under the scheme in tandem with increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit are driving significantly increased levels of demand. Approximately 24,000 applications from homeowners were received in 2022 and 2023 combined and 10,511 applications to date in 2024.
Applications to the Scheme are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. Significant reductions in the average waiting time for works to be completed have been achieved this year, reducing from 26 months in 2022 to 17 months for the worst performing homes (rated E, F and G) for homes completed so far in 2024.
This has been achieved in part through the following actions taken to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme:
SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• SEAI work to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management;
• Actions to address ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures;
• A record budget allocation of €208.8m;
• ERDF funding of €264 million over the period 2021 until 2027 to supplement Exchequer funding for the scheme; and
• A new €700 million contractor panel has been put in place for the next 4 years, which has increased contractor capacity to 36.
Budget 2025 announced record funding for residential and community energy upgrades which will be supplemented by an increased allocation from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will increase the Warmer Homes Scheme budget to €240 million. The 2025 allocation for the scheme represents a 10-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme. For further information, the SEAI commenced the publication of quarterly reports on scheme performance in 2023. The most recent reports are available at:
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf
www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/2024-09/SEAI-Retrofit-Mid-Year-Report-2024.pdf
12. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of heat pumps that were installed as part of the SEAI retrofitting schemes, broken down by scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45629/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department.
Grant support of up to €6,500 is available for the installation of air to water heat pumps as a standalone measure under the Better Energy Home Scheme. For homeowners undertaking a deep retrofit with a heat pump under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme or the Community Energy Grant Scheme, grant support of up to €10,500 is available. Full details on the range of SEAI supports available can be found at www.seai.ie.
Data from SEAI shows in the period 2020 to end-October 2024, almost 152,000 property upgrades have been supported. Of these, over 12,300 have installed a heat pump, mostly under the SEAI part-funded, demand-led schemes. A breakdown of the number of heat pumps installed by scheme for the period 2020-2024 year to date is provided in the table below. It shows a doubling since 2020.
In addition, data from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shows that an additional 4,863 heat pumps were installed under its Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme in the period 2021-2023.
Budget 2025 includes record capital funding of €469 million for the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes. The Deputy may also wish to note that Budget 2025 also committed to a reduction in the VAT rate for the installation of heat pumps reduced to 9% - the lowest rate allowable under the VAT Directive.
Increasing the uptake of heat pumps among homeowners is a top priority for my Department and as such, further policies and measures will be introduced on an annual basis in order to support the achievement of these targets.
Table: Heat pump installations by SEAI Scheme 2020-2024 (October)
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Better Energy Homes |
664 |
866 |
1333 |
1831 |
1292 |
|
Community Energy Grants |
602 |
308 |
282 |
595 |
506 |
|
National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme |
189 |
795 |
616 |
1287 |
1031 |
|
Warmer Homes Scheme |
Nil |
2 |
41 |
54 |
41 |
|
Totals |
1455 |
1971 |
2272 |
3767 |
2870 |
13. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits completed as part of the SEAI retrofitting schemes; the pre and post-BER post retrofit; the average cost to retrofit, broken down by scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45631/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
In 2022 an enhanced package of SEAI retrofit supports was introduced which saw significant increases in grant supports for energy efficiency measures. As a result, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high.
Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2020 to end-October 2024 almost 152,000 property upgrades have been supported through the residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV scheme. Of these, almost 51,200 have been upgraded to a post works building energy rating of B2 or better.
With regard to the data sought by the Deputy, it should also be noted that in line with the respective terms and conditions of the various SEAI energy efficiency schemes, not all homeowners are required to have a pre-works Building Energy Rating (BER) to qualify for grant support:
Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes: homeowners are not required to have a pre-works Building Energy Rating (BER) to qualify for grant support, and for this reason the BER data requested is not available for homes upgraded under these schemes.
• Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme: Pre-works BER data is only available from 2023.
• National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and Community Energy Grant Scheme: A pre-works BER is required for all homes.
Regarding the cost of a retrofit/home energy upgrade, this depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. Depending on the scheme the retrofit can consist of a single energy efficiency measure, multiple measures or a whole home upgrade to B2 and the costs will vary accordingly.
Under the Better Energy Homes, Solar PV, National Home Energy Upgrade and Communities schemes, works costs are based on declarations from the homeowners and contractors. The costs can vary depending on the factors outlined above. Additionally, homeowners may carry out non-grant aided/non energy related works as part of the same upgrade. Therefore, the costs figures which will be provided by SEAI may be in excess of the costs relating to the retrofit works only. The amounts paid out per grant-aided measure by SEAI are fixed irrespective of the costs declared. Under the Warmer Homes scheme, the energy upgrade works are fully Exchequer funded.
Further information on expenditure and output and associated costs for each SEAI Retrofit programme for 2023 and Quarter 1 2024 can also be found on the SEAI website at:
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf
www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/2024-09/SEAI-Retrofit-Mid-Year-Report-2024_0.pdf
The requested breakdown of the pre-BER and post-BER rating of homes retrofitted as part of the SEAI retrofitting programme, and the average cost to retrofit broken down by SEAI scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form is not routinely supplied by SEAI to my Department.
I have directed SEAI to reply directly to the Deputy with the data requested, in so far as it is available, as soon as possible.
14. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number solar PVs installed as part of the SEAIs retrofitting schemes; the pre and post-BER; the average cost, broken down by scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSolar PV panels are installed under a number of scenarios and are supported under a number of Department funded and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administered schemes.
However, the primary method of supports for Solar PV panels is via the dedicated Domestic Solar PV scheme, which currently offers grants of up to €2,100 to all homeowners in homes built before 2021. The scheme does not require a pre grant BER rating to be obtained but does require one to be provided after installation.
The table attached sets out the number of homes which had Solar PV installed each year, under the Domestic Solar PV scheme; as well as two other SEAI schemes, which also provide supports for Solar PV as part of a range of energy efficiency supports. These are the Community Energy Grants scheme and and the One Stop Shop Service. The BER ratings achieved post installation, are also included.
15. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure the SEAI grant eligibility for a person (details supplied) is reviewed. [45677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households in or at risk of energy poverty is a top priority for the Government. Since 2000 over 161,190 homes have been upgraded under this scheme.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as Minister I have no function in relation to such applications. Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by telephone to 01 808 2005. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
I understand that the upgrades recommended for a given property depend on many factors, including age, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home an SEAI technical surveyor determines which upgrades can be installed and funded. The scheme guidelines can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf.
It should be noted all of the SEAI approaches including these scheme guidelines are determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. This means that wall insulation is not currently recommended under any of its residential energy efficiency schemes on dwellings built before 1940 which are constructed in stone, single-leaf masonry or composite wall construction.
However, a pilot programme to allow homeowners of traditionally built homes (typically built with solid wall, stone, clay, lime-based materials) to access energy upgrades through the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme managed by One Stops Shops and supported by a qualified Traditional Building Professional has recently been launched by SEAI. The Pilot provides part-fund grants and will gather data on technical aspects, materials, products, installation costs for upgrading older traditionally built homes and will inform future approached for such homes under the Warmer Homes scheme.
It should also be noted, in line with the published guidelines that only single-glazed windows are upgraded under the scheme, where the walls are also being insulated.
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 (CWS) 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/.
16. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider establishing a household and SME rebalancing subvention, modelled on the large energy user rebalancing subvention introduced in 2009, with the purpose of subsidizing the network costs of households and small and medium enterprises, by collecting a greater portion of network charges from large energy users; and his views on the feasibility and potential benefits of such a rebalancing measure. [45686/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no proposals to introduce a rebalancing subvention along the lines set out in the question.
The Large Energy User Rebalancing Subvention refers to a 2009 government decision to rebalance electricity network tariffs to support Large Energy Users with effect from 1st October 2010. This decision was made at a time when the then global financial crisis and domestic banking crisis were both starting to take effect and the competitiveness of large Irish firms, together with the employment implications, were a serious policy issue. This decision was made to help safeguard jobs in some of Ireland’s most-critical and export-orientated industries, at a time when unemployment was rising at a fast rate. This subvention ceased from the 1st of October 2022. The calculation of the LEU rebalancing subvention is within the exclusive remits of CRU and ESB Networks.
