Written answer
Social Welfare Payments
The Minister said boiler-related Additional Needs Payments are assessed case by case, while local authorities remain primarily responsible for heating repairs and alternative systems.
61. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason exceptional needs payments for boiler replacements are being refused by DSP when local authority schemes do not cover replacement boilers, when SEAI warmer homes schemes and similar grants are taking 24-36 months to complete and people are left without heating or hot water when their boiler breaks down. [67421/26]
Comment on this
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income, personal and/or household resources. The ANP scheme is demand led and administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. Supports from this Department are however not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility.
Local authorities offer a range of grants to help eligible households improve heating and energy efficiency. While new fossil fuel heating systems are no longer funded, grants available may support alternative energy-efficient solutions.
For example, the Housing Aid for Older People Grant can assist with essential home improvements, including heating repairs and upgrades. It can fund repairs to existing oil or gas boilers by a qualified contractor, the purchase and installation of a second-hand fossil fuel boiler, and alternative heating systems such as electric heaters or biomass stoves, where appropriate.
There is now an Age Friendly Technical Advisor in each of the 31 local authorities who are able to guide people though options, advocate and liaise on their behalf with the relevant agencies.
Each application for an ANP is considered on a case by case basis, based on the circumstances and the need presenting. The Community Welfare Service works to identify the appropriate response and to ensure that the person needs, including facilities such as heating and hot water, are maintained.
I trust this clarifies the matter.