Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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It is good that 130,000 houses have been upgraded. I accept that it is a rules-based scheme. I contacted the SEAI and then got in touch with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, about a case in which someone had hired a contractor to carry out specific work involving solar panels and a high-efficiency gas boiler. When the declaration of works was submitted, a different contractor carried out the works. That can happen for a variety of reasons such as the unavailability of the original contractor but, as it transpired, the contractor who carried out the work, based on the declaration of works that was sent back to the SEAI, was not registered for some of the work and therefore the grant was null and void. A low-income household was involved and the cost was approximately €5,000. I accept that rules govern the scheme but I am concerned about the rigidity of the scheme in such a case where someone conscientiously decides to engage someone to carry out the works for their own benefit in terms of heating their home and to make an environmental contribution. A genuine mistake was made. The applicant applied in good faith with a reasonable expectation of carrying out the work. The case has not yet been resolved. I inquired of the Minister about how to pursue the case further. There will be such cases in which genuine people will find they do not qualify for the scheme for reasons beyond their control. That is harsh.