Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position, post budget 2009, regarding the funding and number of applicants for the greener homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35517/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Greener Homes Scheme, which supports installation of renewable heating technology in homes, is now in its third phase. To date, over 37,000 people have applied for grant aid under the Greener Homes Scheme, and nearly €61m has been paid to over 24,000 applicants. The scheme was designed from the outset to act as a market stimulation measure. The renewable heating sector was characterised by a lack of information about products, a lack of retail outlets for equipment and fuels and a lack of trained installers. By acting to stimulate demand, Greener Homes has redressed the most fundamental problem in the market, backed up by quality assurance and training programmes. As the market has developed, grant aid rates have been reduced and the new buildings were made ineligible, in tandem with changes to the Building Regulations.

In the most recent Budget, the Greener Homes Scheme received an allocation of €12.345m. Due to continuing demand for the programme, an additional €3m was allocated to the programme, which remains open for business. The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under regular review in light of the growing maturity of the market and overall budgetary considerations.