Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 612: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the budget in 2008 for the greener homes scheme; the funding committed to date; the plans to provide additional funding for the scheme in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25841/08]

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 current phase of Greener Homes (Phase II) is designed 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. The scheme is continuing to support a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.

Some €27 million has been allocated to the Greener Homes Scheme in 2008 of which €10 million has been expended to date. The allocation is being kept under review in light of take-up. However, the overall trend in terms of levels of applications received and grant payments made points to the adequacy of the funding allocations in 2008.