Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a waiting list in relation to the processing of the insulation grant system; if so, the waiting period for same; his plans to shorten such a period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), commenced in March 2009 and provides grant assistance to homeowners for retrofit energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, very high efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. Homeowners can apply online and receive same day grant approval once key eligibility criteria are met. All payments are made by Electronic Funds Transfer and all notifications are by email (for online applicants) with the exception of Declarations of Work, which require the signatures of both homeowner and contractor to draw down approved funds.

There is a parallel postal system for homeowners without access to the online system. The commitment that the SEAI gives is that postal applications will be processed within 21 days. I am advised by the SEAI that in practice the typical turnaround for such applications is only one week. The average turnaround time for all requests for payment is four to five weeks. Since launch last year, the scheme has dealt with over 72,000 applications and processed payments worth €36m relating to the installation of 78,000 measures in over 41,000 homes. The SEAI continuously reviews the operations of all its grant schemes with a view to optimum efficiency and effectiveness and it assures me that any opportunities to shorten the grant payment time are fully exploited.