Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
68. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the provisions that are in place to deal with the lack of auditors in County Donegal; the reason that companies that have been selected for the business email compromise schemes are now being de-selected (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27302/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that this query relates to the BEC scheme, now called the Community Energy Grant, but I am not aware of companies being selected for the BEC/Community Energy Grant scheme now being deselected.
My Department funds a number of supports for energy auditing through the SEAI, including the Register of Energy Auditors (required under S.I. 426 of 2014), the provision of Energy Audit Guidance and a Support Scheme for Energy Audits.
The SEAI works with professional bodies such as Engineers Ireland to provide training to ensure that there are sufficient auditors to service the market. At this time, there are 129 Registered Auditors and there are currently 87 Auditors on the Register of Energy Auditors that service Ulster.The SEAI has a statutory obligation, under S.I. 426 of 2014, to manage and maintain the Register of Energy Auditors. In doing so, the SEAI may undertake a range of activities such as quality assurance, training and, in certain cases, may determine that an Auditor should be suspended or withdrawn from the register. In all cases, the SEAI will follow standard processes, including the right to appeal a decision.
