Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With reference to the sustained and continuous debate on climate change, it is a fact that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, has experienced a considerable surge in uptake of the various grants it offers across its programmes. This is putting considerable pressure on its budgets. The issue was first flagged for me in April when it seemed that new applications were being stalled and contractors engaged in the provision of energy efficiency measures such as insulation and so on were experiencing delays in being paid and having new work approved. Immediately thereafter, when I took up the issue, it seemed to be in abeyance. Unfortunately, however, the news I have received in the last week is that there is a serious problem which was not addressed in April and, in particular, a serious budgetary problem with the warmer homes scheme, of which there has been a massive uptake. Individuals, in particular, older people who qualify under the scheme, have been ringing and wondering when their job of work will be done. Contractors who are rolling out the scheme under a service level agreement are entitled to expect payment within six weeks, but it is taking three months, at the very least, for payments to arrive at their door. There is a lack of clarity on funding. Has the budget been spent? Will more funding become available? This is a critical issue. We are encouraging people to take steps to make their home more energy efficient and warmer, reduce their energy bills and help us to achieve our climate action targets. There is a need for clarity for the many people who are wondering when their job of work will be done and the contractors who have serious cash flow problems. Private contractors have to pay staff and need to know where they stand. I ask, therefore, the Minister responsible to come to the House to clarify and shed light on the matter in order that people will know how to apply for grants, given that there is a lot of confusion about the various grants on offer. It would be helpful to have a good debate on the issue.