Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
151. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the qualifications that a building firm must have to be listed on the SEAI website; the criteria that a builder and contractor must meet to be listed on the SEAI website; if this provides a guarantee that the listed contractor will meet the minimum statutory building guidelines relevant to the retrofit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33997/22]
View answerThe process to register as an SEAI approved contractor is open to any contractor that agrees to adhere to SEAI standards, guidelines, procedures and codes of practice. 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.
In accordance with international best practice, regular inspections of works are undertaken on a risk-based approach across all SEAI residential and community energy efficiency schemes.
