John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Motherway and Mr. Clancy for their presentation, in which they mentioned the 2020 targets. Are they confident these targets will be met?

Micro generation for farmers and smaller communities has been mentioned. How viable are these smaller operations? It is important that small operators see a benefit and that this subsidises their other activities.

Tidal or wave energy was mentioned. What is the current position on that technology? Is Ireland on target to take advantage of the latest developments?

On the Better Energy Homes scheme, as public representatives, we receive a significant number of queries, particularly from the elderly who have difficulties with such schemes. I have been in communication with the SEAI on a number of occasions in this regard. For many of the schemes one applies online where the approved grants are explained. People then go ahead and do the installation work or make the improvements, based on tight margins and what they can afford. However, they often find that their grant application is disallowed. I have come across some difficult human stories. People operating on tight margins get no hearing for their difficulties which are due to their not receiving a clear explanation of what the scheme involves. They are told all of the information is online and that they should know what is involved in the scheme.