Finian McGrath
Ceist:196 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [21112/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 May 2010
Ceisteanna (196)
Freagraí scríofa
The Home Energy Saving scheme (HES) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). All grant applications, including any subsequent appeals are dealt with by SEAI and my Department has no role in the decision-making process.
Notwithstanding this, I am informed by SEAI that on this occasion, payment was declined to the homeowner as works were completed prior to grant approval being received. The specific sequence of events was as follows: Application received 17th February 2010; Letter of Offer issued 24th February 2010; Works completed 2nd January 2010 as indicated on the Declaration of Works received from the applicant at time of grant claim.
SEAI cannot pay grants for work carried out prior to application, as the scheme is designed to stimulate and incentivise investment as distinct from rewarding past investment. The fact that the works were already undertaken before application was made would mean that neither the homeowner nor the contractor can be bound by the terms of the scheme. SEAI informs me that the applicant would have been made aware of this in the application form and application guide and would have signed a form accepting this fundamental condition, which in effect voids the grant offer. Unfortunately there are no grounds for appeal and SEAI cannot pay the grant.