The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme on behalf of my Department.
I am advised by SEAI that the provision of appropriate heating controls is an integral part of any heating system upgrade and that such controls are essential to realising the energy efficiency features of efficient boilers. Accordingly, the supports available under the Better Energy Programme for boiler upgrades require that the fitting of heating controls be undertaken as part of the work to install more efficient boilers. SEAI also advocates that contractors only use heating controls which are appropriate to the end user and that users are provided with good instruction on their proper usage. I have no plans to suggest changes to these arrangements which I consider to be appropriate and best practice.