Thomas Pringle TD
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Pringle: Most vulnerable lose out again in SEAI scheme for defective block homeowners

Pringle - Most vulnerable lose out again in SEAI scheme for defective block homeowners

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has pressed Government to address issues with  an SEAI grant scheme to ensure that the most vulnerable people won’t lose out.

Addressing the Tánaiste in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “Once again your government has stumbled blindly into yet another defective blocks fiasco of your own making. I know this will probably annoy you and set you off, as you’re convinced the whole thing is sorted, Tánaiste, but I’m here to remind you again this week that it’s not.

“Three weeks ago today, Minister Ryan announced that SEAI grants would be available in a coordinated and specific way for defective block homeowners. 

“Now it turns out that those who qualified for Enhanced Home Energy Upgrade Values prior to this, will not be able to carry over eligibility for these enhanced schemes. This of course targets the most vulnerable and socio-economically deprived in County Donegal. As an example, the dry lining grant aid will be halved under this scenario, and external insulation by almost 50%. 

“Many other headings will see homeowners reduced by 20% to 30% on average. It’s affecting those on: Working Family Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Carers Allowance, Disability Allowance.

“Tánaiste, it’s an own goal,” he said.

The deputy raised the issue during Questions on policy or legislation.

Deputy Pringle asked: “Will you speak to your ministers and make sure it’s changed and made more responsive?”

In his response, the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, said he will talk to the minister and ask the minister to engage with Deputy Pringle.