Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to introduce a wood log gasifier scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18981/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 260: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce a grant for wood log gasifiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19012/08]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 262: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will give consideration to an application by the Irish Farmers Association seeking a grant aid scheme to be put in place for wood log gasifiers, which they have indicated could significantly alter the energy sector in rural Ireland; if such an application has been reviewed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19053/08]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 263: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the introduction of a wood log gasifier grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 270: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing grant aid for the installation of wood log gasifiers under the greener home schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19146/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258, 260, 262, 263 and 270 together.

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 the most efficient products. The scheme is helping to 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 in the light of the maturing technologies and market developments, including the consideration of additional technologies such as wood log gasifiers.