309. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider extending the eligible categories for persons to receive the warmer homes grant through the SEAI to those in receipt of the bereaved partner's pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/26]

The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax revenues and the European Regional Development Fund.

The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.

The eligible DSP payments are:

• Fuel Allowance;

• Job Seeker’s Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7;

• Working Family Payment (previously the Family Income Supplement).

• One Parent Family Payment;

• Domiciliary Care Allowance;

• Carer’s Allowance (where you live with the person you are caring for);

• Disability Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7.

The Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension is not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes Scheme. However, households where someone is in receipt of the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension may also qualify for one of the DSP payments that are eligible payments for the Warmer Homes Scheme, such as the Fuel Allowance. This would be subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment.

The scheme eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, together with the DSP, to ensure they are consistent with, and complementary to, the income support schemes offered.

The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:

• the DSP'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 or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/; and

• the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/