Finian McGrath
Question:139. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 [29506/13]
View answerWednesday, 19 June 2013
Questions (139)
Written answers
The Better Energy Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Better Energy: Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
My Department has been informed by the SEAI that the homeowner made an online application on the 9 February 2012. The Declaration of Work (DoW) forms were received on 12 June 2012 and the contractor provided a work completed date of 6 February 2012 which was three days prior to the application being made. A decline letter was sent to the homeowner on 22 June 2012 as the works predated the grant offer. As there was no grant offer in place at the time the works were undertaken, the contract is considered null and void. The homeowner appealed the decision to decline the application. The appeal was unsuccessful and the homeowner was informed of the appeal decision on 15 February 2013.
Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hotline can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.