Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his predicted figures for capital expenditure for the greener home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28996/07]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the second phase of the greener homes scheme is underway; the number of applications it received; the budget allocated for this phase of the scheme; if it is envisaged to expand what is offered in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28967/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 51 and 57 together.

I estimate that by the end of this year some €33m will have been expended on the Greener Homes Scheme since its introduction in 2006. The provision for 2008 will be made available in the context of the Budget on 5th December next. Phase II of the Greener Homes Scheme was launched on 1st October with several adjustments reflecting the positive developments in the market for domestic renewable technologies. The grant levels have been reduced for some technologies where 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 products that continue to be grant aided under Phase II are solar panels, wood pellet and woodchip boilers and geothermal pumps.

The objective of Phase II is to further consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not necessarily grant dependent. In this way Phase II will help secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and greater stability across the renewable heating industry. There have been over 800 applications received to date under Phase II. It is too early to estimate the level of actual take-up. The overall level of funding for Phase II of the Greener Homes Scheme will be determined in the context of the 2008 Budget.

I am keeping under review the scope for including other renewable energy products under the Greener Homes Scheme. In addition to overall budgetary considerations relevant factors would include product standards, supplier capability, installation quality assurance, energy and CO2 saving impact, market impact potential and, ultimately, value for money for the taxpayer.