SDLP Minister for the Environment Mark H Durkan has said that grants for the boiler replacement scheme must be brought forward without delay.

This comes after the Department for Social Development announced the details of those who can qualify for the scheme today.

Mr Durkan said: "When the boiler replacement scheme was first announced by the Minister of Social Development last year it was hoped that it would assist householders who do not qualify for other Government energy efficient improvement schemes making them vulnerable to fuel poverty.

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"The SDLP fully welcomed the scheme which is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive because it was aimed at ending the scourge of fuel poverty.

"The schemes application process up until now has proved overly onerous and placed barriers before people hoping to manage their household budget and ward off fuel poverty.

"I understand that DETI have set aside £6 million for the implementation of the scheme. The scheme has so far failed to deliver for people who need it most. Many people are being pressurised into paying upfront before they are given the grant which is often extremely difficult. Furthermore small businesses may be reluctant to take on the work if there are delays around money being paid."

(CD/IT)