{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/6989c172b3f7b27aa1f547cc?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Meath Councillor Calls SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme 'Inexplicably Discriminatory' - 09/02/2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/1770635574307-25c95a1c-40b7-4147-a5d8-b268c7d3e37d.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>A Meath councillor has hit out at a loophole in the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme, which she says is 'inexplicably discriminatory'.</p><p><br></p><p>Aontú's Emer Tóibín says she is baffled by confirmation from the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’ Brien that the Deserted Wife’s Allowance/Benefit is not a qualifying payment.</p><p><br></p><p>With almost 4,500 women in Ireland currently in receipt of the payment, she says they’re being deserted by the Government and are literally being left out in the cold.</p><p><br></p><p>It closed to new applicants in 1997 and Councillor Tóibín says she will write to the Minister to seek absolute clarity on eligibility criteria, and she wants to know if women who receive another qualifying payment, for example Fuel Allowance, might qualify.</p><p><br></p><p>Councillor Toibin joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"lmfm "}