212. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has conducted, commissioned or reviewed a specific impact assessment on administrative barriers faced by homeowners attempting to access the one-stop-shop scheme concurrently with the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the compounding stress and delays caused to DCB-affected homeowners by the rigid structure of the one-stop-shop model during structural rebuilds; the steps being taken to streamline and harmonise the two schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57278/26]

Homeowners of Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) affected homes are eligible to apply for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) home energy upgrade grants similar to other homeowners. Government has made a number of exemptions to the SEAI scheme rules for the DCB-affected homes to account for their circumstances and to ensure that the rebuilt or renovated homes can be well insulated and heated with a heat pump. The bespoke arrangements that apply exclusively to DCB-affected homeowners are aimed at addressing barriers to accessing the grants and ensure that the schemes operate in a streamlined way.

The SEAI schemes include grants for the fabric upgrade of buildings (e.g. insulation), as well as solar PV and heat pump installation. While DCB homeowners are able to opt for a number of SEAI schemes, for those seeking a whole home upgrade to achieve a BER of B or better, the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is the primary route. This scheme is managed by the SEAI on behalf of my Department and delivered through the SEAI's registered One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) which manage the entire process for the homeowner.

DCB affected homeowners can use their own builder who will need to work in conjunction with the OSS to be eligible for SEAI grants. The OSS manages the entire energy upgrade process, working with the builder and dealing with the SEAI. Homeowners and their OSS agree a contract for the completion of the retrofit works. The OSS will deduct the grant value from the cost upfront, meaning the costs incurred by homeowners are net of grant.

The energy upgrades will be installed at the same time as the wider DCB remediation works. The Competent Building Professional (CBP), engaged by the homeowner, oversees and certifies the DCB remediation and the energy upgrade works. The SEAI engages with each CBP through each of the grant applications received and support the completion of the energy upgrades for these homes.

The SEAI have a webpage dedicated to information for DCB homes, along with FAQs. This material has been developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to ensure key information is available to homeowners:

seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/defective-concrete-blocks

The SEAI can investigate matters raised by individual homeowners and follow up directly with the OSSs concerned if details can be provided directly to them. In this regard, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is:oireachtas@seai.ie.

Homeowners can also contact the OSS team at the SEAI at: Telephone: 01808 2100, email: onestopshop@seai.ie:

seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/defective-concrete-blocks