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Warmer Homes Scheme Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Questions (362)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

362. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42330/13]

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Written answers

The Better Energy: Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as part of the Better Energy Programme. The scheme provides financial assistance to households who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are allocated towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment.

To ensure the transparent use and administration of Exchequer funding, the SEAI is committed to delivering processes and systems which are clear and efficient, and which operate in a manner that is fair to all applicants. The following 2 scheme rules explicitly state that:

(a) Grant approval must be in place before any works commence; and

(b) Once accepted, the grant remains valid for 6 months from the date of issue of Grant Offer notification.

A grant offer, once accepted, remains valid for 6 months from the date of issue of grant offer notification. It is not possible to apply for a grant after the works have been completed and, therefore, a homeowner cannot reapply for a grant if the works have already been carried out. In relation to the late submission of paperwork under the scheme, grants cannot be paid if the paperwork is not submitted on time and within 6 months from the date of grant offer, as per the terms and conditions of the scheme.

It is not possible to make exceptions to the rules of the scheme as to do so would be to alter the terms of the scheme and create a precedent for any other parties who have found themselves ineligible.

Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hot line can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has recently established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.

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