Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
152. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to the operation of the SEAI warmer homes scheme and related retrofitting schemes.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/22]
View answer154. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the SEAI agreement with a contractor includes a detailed schedule of works to be performed; if the agreement also includes a contract between the contractor and the homeowner before works begin; if not, if he will consider putting such a mechanism in place to ensure homeowners are protected going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11015/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 154 together.
Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents including:
- NSAI S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings;
- Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents;
- The System Supplier/Product Manufacturer Guidelines
- NSAI Agrément certificates; and,
- Irish, British or European Standards Guides.
A Declaration of Works must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor certifying completion of works. Post-works Building Energy Ratings are also carried out by independent BER assessors. In addition, contractors are required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with the scheme's Quality Assurance programme. The Quality Assurance programme has been designed by SEAI to maintain high standards of contractor workmanship; build consumer confidence; monitor health and safety; and ensure proper governance of the spending of public money.
Regular inspections of works are undertaken on a risk-based approach in accordance with international best practice. When sub-standard works are found, contractors are required to rectify the works to the satisfaction of the inspector, at no cost to the homeowner. As part of SEAI’s Code of Practice all contractors are required to resolve complaints. If a customer is not satisfied with the works completed, contractors must make every reasonable effort to resolve the complaint to the customer’s and SEAI’s satisfaction.
The SEAI deals with all complaints received appropriately and this informs the risk-based approach to inspections. The case by case review of any complaints may inform desk based investigations and/or site visits where deemed appropriate. SEAI operate under a Customer Charter and a complaints and appeals procedure is in place. If following this procedure an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome, they can seek an independent review from the Office of the Ombudsman of the complaint. Further details are available here: www.seai.ie/customer-charter/ .
The Department does not hold the detailed information sought by the Deputy. My officials have requested the SEAI to forward the specific data requested as soon as possible.
