James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 625: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford is being penalised in relation to a reduction in the grant-aid under the greener homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24797/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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 (SEI) 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 has been adopted for Phase II.

Administration of the Greener Homes Scheme is an operational matter for SEI. SEI has advised my Department that the individual to whom the Deputy refers requested an information pack on 28th August. Phase I of the scheme subsequently closed on 3rd September. Anyone who had sought an information pack at this time would have received a letter at the time of closure explaining that Phase I was now closed for applications. They would also have received an information pack and new application form for Phase II after October 1st.

SEI further advise that as with any such announcement, there has to be some reference date and in this instance applications received date stamped September 3rd were accepted to allow for forms which may have already beendispatched in the post at time of the announcement.