Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 414: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the home energy saving scheme as launched on 8 February 2009 will be in a position to accept applications from homeowners; when the list of approved contractors will be finalised; when building energy regulation assessments and other works will commence in homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9744/09]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 415: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the provision in the pilot programme of the home energy saving scheme to allow for double glazing in approved homes will be extended to the full scheme in place; if glazing contractors approved under the pilot scheme will be invited to apply for approval under the full scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9745/09]

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

Question 434: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the provision of grants towards windows and doors replacement in residential houses was not included in the new grant system recently announced for energy conservation and improvement, which grants seem to be restricted to attics and walls, whereas it is clear the provision of properly secured and sealed doors and windows would make a considerable contribution to energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415 and 434 together.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers and heating controls. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) advised on the measures for inclusion in the scheme. SEI has built up a considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters as part of their statutory remit and in the course of their oversight of the pilot phase of the scheme in 2008. The measures selected currently are deemed to be those most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at the least cost.

There are other measures not currently included in the scheme that may also improve the energy performance of a home. My Department and SEI will be keeping the scheme under review and if there is a strong cost-benefit case for adding other measures to the scheme, it will be given every consideration. Homeowners will be able to formally apply under the Scheme from later this month. In the meantime, they can register their interest with SEI on 1850 927000 or at hes@sei.ie.

Homeowners may arrange to have a building energy rating carried out immediately, if they wish. While a grant of €200 is available for this, it is not a requirement for participation in the scheme. To qualify for the grant, the house must be assessed by a registered Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor before and after works are carried out. SEI will pay the grant for the BER after eligible works are completed and the appropriate documentation is submitted. While they can proceed with the BER assessment now, homeowners should not undertake any works until they have received formal grant approval from SEI, as work underway or recently completed will not be considered for grant assistance. As of 6 March, 1,086 contractors had applied to SEI to register for the Scheme. The list of registered contractors will be continually updated by SEI as applications are received from contractors.