Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
93. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the process for a firm to be placed on the firms register of retrofitting companies authorised to complete works under the SEAI’s warmer home scheme; what checks are performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14046/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme provides fully funded home energy upgrades to homeowners in receipt of certain social welfare payments. The scheme is delivered through a panel of contractors who are paid directly by SEAI for the various works provided under the scheme.
The current panel was established following a competitive tender process which was finalised in September 2023. Thirty-six contractors were placed on the panel with all successful tenderers required to sign up to a Framework Agreement with SEAI. The Framework Agreement sets out the rules that contractors must abide by, once successfully appointed.
These include:
- Being registered or registering to the Better Energy Homes Scheme’s Register of Contractors;
- Being subject to SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice, and to carry out all works in line with SEAI's Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents;
- Being subject to the relevant Quality Assurance and Disciplinary Procedures for Contractors;
- Demonstrating tax compliance and insurance cover.
Under the scheme, homes must be available for Building Energy Rating assessments and quality and verification inspections before a home is cleared for payment to a Framework Participant. Trained inspectors carry out quality and verification inspections on selected homes. Homes are selected for inspection on a sample basis using a risk-based approach. Where an inspection identifies defects, Framework Participants will be required to complete reworks in all homes at no cost to SEAI within a reasonable timeline prior to final payment being released. The scheme is aligned with SEAI’s Better Energy Homes Quality Assurance and Disciplinary Procedures for Contractors. This document sets out how those registered are monitored for quality, what is expected of their performance and how they will be dealt with where their quality is not of appropriate standard.
This scheme is a top priority for me and the Government. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
