Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review a better energy homes scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [28473/11]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review an application (details supplied) regarding the better energy home scheme. [28672/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 317 together.

Better Energy: Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofitting measures, including attic and wall insulation, high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for SEAI and I have no function in the matter.

I am advised by SEAI that the applicants in question are in receipt of grant support under Better Energy Homes for a number of measures including cavity wall insulation. However, inspections carried out on the homes in question identified cavity/hollow block construction which is not suitable for cavity wall insulation as a continuous masonry cavity is required before insulation can be effectively installed. The installation of pumped insulation into cavities into walls for this construction is not covered by the Scheme nor is it considered an effective insulation solution. This is the reason for non-payment of a grant by SEAI in respect of this work.

SEAI advises that walls built in cavity/hollow blocks can be addressed either using internal wall insulation with insulated dry lining, or external wall insulation both of which are eligible for support under the scheme. The SEAI operate a comprehensive quality assurance and registration of contractors scheme to ensure value for money, ensure technical standards and to ensure that expenditure complies with the terms and conditions of the scheme. SEAI carries out in-depth payment and audit checks with homeowners and contractors. This high level of quality assurance is mostly welcomed by contractors and homeowners who acknowledge its importance for the quality of measures carried out. SEAI advises that the contractor referred to by the Deputy is no longer registered under Better Energy Homes.