Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the greener homes schemes; the number of applicants waiting to receive grants; the budget for this scheme in 2008 and 2009; the reasoning behind the drop in budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43647/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Greener Homes Scheme, since its launch in March 2006, has provided support for home owners investing in renewable energy heating technologies. The scheme has been modified over that period, supported by appropriate budgetary allocations year on year. Phase III continues to support the installation of a range of technologies in existing homes. Demand trends under the scheme continue to evolve in response to the ongoing adjustments which take account of market developments and changes to the Building Regulations. These adjustments will be reflected in the Budget allocation for the scheme in 2009. Sustainable Energy Ireland advises that there are approximately 76 applications for grant assistance on hand, which are currently being processed. The allocation for the Greener Homes 2008 is €22.5m. The allocation for 2009 remains to be definitively finalised.

Any support scheme such as Greener Homes must evolve over time to a point where the industry is self sufficient and this overall approach has been reflected in the adjustments made to this scheme over its lifetime.

The stimulus that the scheme has given to the development and maturing of the industry, with 16,000 systems already installed, has focussed primarily on improving the supply chain for the products, services and fuels. The application of product standards and installer training and quality framework has ensured that consumers are both informed and confident in their choices.

There are currently 940 products registered under the scheme. All these products meet minimum quality and efficiency criteria which allows for informed choice on the part of the consumer whether attracting financial support or not.

Quality and training is an important aspect of supporting the development of a sustainable industry. Training courses have been developed for residential heating technologies. These courses are FETAC accredited and mandatory for registration under the Greener Homes Scheme since March 2008. There are currently 1,300 installers registered under the scheme who have completed these training courses and it will continue to be a requirement for any installer wishing to register under the scheme.

The Greener Homes Scheme (and the REHeat scheme for the commercial sector) was also designed to enable a reliable supply chain for wood pellet fuels. Securing a significant installed base of appliances has created a demand that has resulted in increased and more geographically diverse supply and more competitive pricing.

The Building Regulations 2008, which came into force on July 1st, make the inclusion of renewable energy in new homes mandatory. It is therefore no longer appropriate to grant aid installation of renewable technologies in new homes and future budgetary allocations for the Scheme will reflect this decision. The Building Regulations' mandatory requirement will of itself significantly stimulate demand for renewable energy products and services. The existence in the market of 1,300 installers who have successfully completed nationally accredited training will underpin this regulatory requirement. The installation of renewable heating systems in existing homes, which is typically more complex and more expensive, warrants continued support in the short to medium term while the market reaches maturity.