Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing a grant aid scheme for wood log gasifiers which would significantly alter the energy sector in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21321/08]

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.

The Greener Homes Scheme is being kept under regular 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.

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. We will continue to review and amend the terms of the scheme to take in new technologies to improve installation standards and to reduce the grant provisions where technologies have become commercially viable.