Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
153. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there has been engagement with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to examine how energy retrofit and solar supports can better assist older persons on fixed incomes, including those in receipt of the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29057/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of financial supports, energy efficiency awareness initiatives and investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock.
The supports provided by the Government are cross departmental and, in this regard, my Department is represented on the Energy Affordability Taskforce, under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The priority of my department is to provide income support that assists households to meet their energy costs. Energy retrofit and solar supports fall under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and queries in relation to this should be submitted to that department.
The range of supports provided by my department includes the Fuel Allowance Payment. Households that qualify for this payment also qualify for free home energy upgrades under the warmer homes scheme which again is under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
