Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of smaller insulation companies have been excluded from participating in the insulation scheme because they are unable to carry the level of insurance cover being demanded by Sustainable Energy Ireland and that companies have been asked, for instance, to have cover for subcontractors even when work is never subcontracted or to have cover for oxyacetylene equipment, even when it is never used; if he will ask SEI to review its demands in regard to insurance cover in view of the fact that, otherwise, many small, but reputable companies may be excluded from work under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9397/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which I launched last month, is being administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The insurance requirements for contractors wishing to carry out works grant-aided under the scheme are designed to protect homeowners.

I am advised that the insurance requirements for the scheme have been developed by SEI with advice from experienced insurance professionals and in consultation with a range of market actors, including architectural and construction bodies. The employers' liability sets an indemnity level of €13 million, which is the minimum level available in the market. The public/product liability indemnity level is set at €6.5 million, which is the same level as is required of electricians to register with the Register of Electrical Contractors in Ireland (RECI). SEI advises that these insurance levels are reasonable and in line with typical cover in the sector.

In order to avail of the benefits of participating in the scheme, contractors with insufficient levels of insurance have the option of upgrading their cover, usually for relatively modest premium increases. A number of contractors applying to register with the scheme have already done so. To date, no contractors have been excluded and those that have not met the insurance requirements have been contacted and offered the opportunity to resubmit their applications.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of companies refused registration by Sustainable Energy Ireland for participation in the insulation scheme; the breakdown of the grounds on which they were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9398/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which I launched last month, is being administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). I am advised that SEI has set a number of conditions which contractors must meet in order to operate under the scheme. These include: compliance with specific scheme terms and conditions; commitment to implementing works (insulation and heating upgrades) in accordance with prescribed specifications and standards; demonstration of tax compliance (current Tax Clearance Cert); commitment to use a written contract for all jobs ; and specified levels of Employers and Public / Products Liability Insurance. These conditions will help ensure the highest standards of work for all participating homeowners, building market confidence in the process. Contractors are required to submit a signed declaration, together with supporting documentation. Where data is incomplete or documents missing, contractors are contacted and asked to supply the additional information.

To date, SEI is in contact with approximately 540 contractors in relation to the issues set out in the following table.

I am advised by SEI that already close to half of those contacted have resubmitted their applications with the additional requested elements.