189. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether any changes to the eligibility criteria for the SEAI warmer homes scheme are under consideration as part of Budget 2027, the National Retrofit Plan or any wider review of energy poverty supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62734/26]

190. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the requirement under the SEAI warmer homes scheme that a dwelling must have been built and occupied before 2006 was last formally reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62733/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) 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 WHS 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 year of build requirement is in place as homes constructed after 2006 are generally more energy efficient than those built before then due to the energy performance requirements of the 2003 Building?Regulations. The?scheme?targets support to those most in need and living in the?least efficient homes.

As part of the National Residential Retrofit Plan, from March this year there has been higher fixed-amount grant for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation available to homeowners who are on qualifying DSP payments, where their home was built and occupied prior to 2011. This allows qualifying homeowners at risk of energy poverty to get these works done using their own SEAI-registered contractor in a shorter timeframe. Eligible applicants can keep their place on the WHS waiting list while carrying out these works.

Delivering free energy upgrades to households at risk of energy poverty and reducing the waiting times for the WHS is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.