Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of any cases where a post-BER rating of a retrofitted home has been downgraded following works carried out as part of the SEAI's retrofit programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49448/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
In line with the respective terms and conditions of the various SEAI energy upgrade schemes, a post-works BER is required on completion of energy upgrade works across all schemes. This allows SEAI to determine the Building Energy Rating (BER) achieved following retrofit works.
The BER assessment is a complex, technical assessment that is carried out by registered professionals according to national standards. Assessors are regularly audited and any failures are swiftly addressed.
In general, the SEAI recommend the following steps for anyone with a query regarding their BER:
1. Contact the BER Assessor directly as they have carried out the work and will be best placed to respond to any queries.
2. Contact SEAI’s BER Helpdesk if you have any further queries or a complaint regarding your own particular assessment or if you have any general queries at: info@ber.seai.ie.
3. Following contact with the BER Helpdesk, if you are still not happy you can make a complaint in accordance with the complaints process which is outlined in SEAI’s Customer Charter at: www.seai.ie/customer-charter/.
In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy, as this is an operational matter for the SEAI, I have asked for it to be examined by them and to respond to you directly as quickly as possible.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie
