Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the amount of a grant has been reduced (details supplied); and if so, the reason the amount of this grant was decreased. [20420/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1179: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the advertisements which took place to notify the public of the reduction in a grant amount (details supplied). [20421/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1180: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people who obtained a grant (details supplied). [20422/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1181: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of valid applications in the pipeline for a grant (details supplied). [20427/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1178 to 1181, inclusive, together.

I issued a press release on 3rd September last announcing that Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme had fulfilled all of its initial objectives and surpassed its targets ahead of schedule. My Department's website was updated accordingly. Sustainable Energy Ireland's website was also updated on that day with information on the scheme and all suppliers were notified directly by SEI. Dissemination of the details on Greener Homes was by way of leaflets for Phase I and was made available to all applicants. A similar approach will be adopted for Phase II.

The number of approved applications for the technology referred to by the Deputy is 4,517 of which 1,830 have already been paid and 2,687 have received a Letter of Offer but have not yet submitted a claim for payment. The first phase of the scheme achieved all of its objectives ahead of time and within budget. To ensure a steady market development the grant levels are being reduced for some technologies including the technology in question, where it is considered that the market has reached a level of maturity to allow it to continue at a lower rate of support. Other grant levels remain unchanged.

The objective in Greener Homes Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for these products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. Continuing the scheme will help secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.

The new building regulations announced last week by my colleague, John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, will mandate the use of renewable heating systems in all new buildings which should provide a further boost to the development of these technologies.