18. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current average waiting times for applicants to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland warmer homes scheme at each stage of the process, including assessment, survey and completion of works; the number of households currently waiting more than 12 months and more than 24 months, respectively; the measures being taken to reduce these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/26]

Sentiment score: 0.27

I want to champion the warmer homes scheme and the Minister's commitment to it. I am seeking an update on waiting times for initial assessment and for completion of works, and details of any action plan to reduce those times.

Sentiment score: 0.42

I reaffirm my support for the warmer homes scheme, which is having a real impact at local level, particularly for vulnerable householders, including older people and low-income families. The extension of the eligibility criteria for the scheme means that more than 470,000 families are now entitled to avail of it. My concern is the waiting times, with an average of 14 months for assessment and 24 to 26 months for completion of works. We really need to look at that. Having met with SEAI representatives this morning, my understanding is that there is an action plan for the scheme before the Department. A process is being gone through whereby there may be changes to the whole contractor system in terms of the individuals or companies that manage the contracts. With the numbers eligible for the scheme increasing, waiting times will surge unless we do something differently. While I support the scheme, I appeal for changes that will accelerate its operation.

Sentiment score: 0.14

Since the early days of the scheme, which I continue to champion, more than 176,000 houses have been retrofitted. The Minister of State is right that the average retrofit cost per house is €31,000 but I am conscious that 30% of all applications are for what are called shallow refits involving both attic and wall insulation. When I met with the SEAI representatives this morning, there was a consciousness on both sides of the better energy homes scheme, which provides 100% funding for wall and attic insulation. We need to do more to encourage people on the waiting list for the warmer homes scheme who require only a shallow refit to avail of the better energy homes scheme instead, under which they can have wall and attic insulation done in the short term. The key is to get the initial assessment done sooner and to avail of the capacity within the system. There are 1,000 BER assessors around the country. I understand there is a request within the action plan that is currently before the Department to better utilise those 1,000 assessors.

Sentiment score: 0.36

Deputy O'Shea had better not go over time.

Sentiment score: 0.44