Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
127. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the process in place to check the standard of work carried out by contractors where an SEAI grant is being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/24]
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. This allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs.
The Quality Assurance of individual Registered Contractors is an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function in relation to the quality assurance of individual registered contractors and/or the registration process.
Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents including:
• NSAI S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings
• Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents
• The System Supplier/Product Manufacturer Guidelines
• Irish Agrément certificates
• Irish, British or European Standards Guides
In addition, contractors are required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with the scheme's Quality Assurance (QA) programme. The QA programme has been designed by SEAI to maintain high standards of contractor workmanship; build consumer confidence; monitor health and safety; and ensure proper governance of the spending of public money. Regular inspections, which can take place at pre-payment or post-payment stage, of works are undertaken on a risk-based approach in accordance with international best practice. When sub-standard works are found, contractors are required to rectify the works to the satisfaction of the inspector, at no cost to the homeowner. The full requirements are set out here: www.seai.ie/grants/supports-for-contractors/
A Declaration of Works must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor certifying completion of works. Post-works Building Energy Ratings are also carried out by independent BER assessors.
Under the provisions of the SEAI Quality Assurance Programme, should a Contractor fail to reach the required standard when following direction on corrective action, then, in accordance with warnings issued, disciplinary action will follow, up to and including deregistration from the SEAI Contractor register.
