Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
247. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm that there are sufficient staff in place to process applications for the new and expanded retrofitting measures; the expected timeframe from application to completion of a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14819/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SEAI have enhanced their staffing levels to allow them to support the significant policy developments announced in recent years under the Climate Acton Plan and National Retrofit Plan. The increase in whole-time equivalents within the SEAI over the last 6 years is set out in the table below. SEAI have been allocated funding for 265 staff in 2026.
The administration and management of the schemes as well as the assignment of staff to particular work areas is an operational matter for the SEAI.
New measures are primarily related to Individual Grants (Better Energy Homes Scheme and Solar PV) which are demand-led schemes which require homeowners to procure their own contractor following grant approval from SEAI (this approval process is instantaneous once all requirements for the SEAI grant application portal are met by applicants). Works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval.
Detail on the actual average time taken from application to grant payment within this scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, including wait time for schemes and projects, so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
SEAI Staff Numbers - End of Year
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Whole Time Equivalents at year end. |
93 |
125 |
170 |
227 |
245 |
255 |
