12. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied) that was sent to him by this Deputy on 2 June 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52210/26]

13. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department plans to include all energy providers in the delivery of the Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52281/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 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. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies such as dialysis machines and respirators. As such, these households may have a higher energy demand than the average user and this scheme is designed to go some way towards helping to reduce those energy costs.

The 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 open to energy suppliers to contact the SEAI to participate in the scheme. Each participating supplier receives an allocated amount of funding under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI and contacts eligible households in batches, based on operational capacity. The administrative aspects of the scheme are a matter for the energy suppliers under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI.

The scheme is energy supplier-led, meaning each energy supplier is responsible for contacting their own eligible customers directly and assigning a solar PV installer to assess if the home is suitable for an upgrade. Under the scheme, homeowners can choose to pay extra to increase the number or size of their solar PV installation. This is a private arrangement between the homeowner and the dedicated solar PV installer. The Government, through the SEAI, funds each energy supplier for the installations provided to eligible customers.

The scheme is administered by each electricity supplier in line with their own operational capacity and delivery model. Suppliers apply their own selection processes to identify eligible homes, and schedule works in a manner that is most efficient and appropriate to their business operations. As each supplier manages the scheme independently, the suppliers themselves are best placed to answer any specific questions regarding their selection criteria, scheduling processes, or delivery approach.

I understand that feedback regarding the need for clarity regarding eligibility and the selection process has been outlined by the SEAI to the participating energy suppliers. I would encourage all households who are eligible for the scheme to contact their energy supplier directly if they have any questions on eligibility or the selection process for the scheme.