Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce a scheme for offshore islands to incentivise and support the production of island produced and consumed renewable energy by island co-operatives or other island-based organisations for community buildings and public lighting. [18778/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The REFIT support programme, which is administered by my Department, supports the construction of new renewable energy powered electricity production plants. This support programme is open to all qualifying projects including project proposals for the offshore islands. In addition to this general support for new renewable energy powered projects, I understand that Sustainable Energy Ireland has been working directly with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs over the past year in regard to conducting a comprehensive energy needs survey of the islands, using the Aran Islands as a pilot area. The aim of this survey is to assist in the development of strategies that will reduce the offshore islands dependence on fossil fuels.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to introduce a grant aid scheme for wood log gasifiers, which is a highly efficient technology for burning wood and a carbon neutral renewable fuel resource; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18729/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006. On foot of the achievement of the original scheme targets three years ahead of schedule, Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme was closed on 3 September 2007.

Phase II of the scheme was opened on 1 October 2007 with assistance still provided under the above mentioned headings. 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 is helping secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry. The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review, and will continue to evolve in light of the maturing technologies and market developments, including the consideration of additional technologies such as wood log gasifiers.