Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that information. The scheme has had a number of teething problems, some of which would probably have been expected. Many people are concerned about the bureaucracy relating to it. I have a question about those who are in the system. The Minister has outlined the figures for how households many have participated. Why is a static rate being paid per kilowatt for energy from the likes of Electric Ireland, while consumers are being charged fluctuating rates? Why can we not mirror both going in both directions?

There is also an issue with cost. In the Committee of Public Accounts recently, we found out that the SEAI is way behind in other aspects of its work. There had to be multiannual transfers between budgets. Can we not move some more of the funding into this area to bring more people in? The cost is prohibitive, especially to those who are vulnerable or on lower budgets.

Finally, on the payments back, the Minister has outlined the numbers of people who are getting payments. Some suppliers are doing it monthly or by time periods, while others are waiting until the whole following year, which seems a bit ridiculous. In the mid-term review, can we create a standardised process for how consumers are being paid for the electricity they are generating back to the grid?

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