Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant payment was cancelled and the expiry date not extended in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, in view of the fact that unforeseen circumstances prevented completion of works within the specified time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5696/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme, on behalf of my Department.

To ensure the transparent use and administration of Exchequer funding, the SEAI is committed to delivering processes and systems, which are clear and efficient, and which operate in a manner that is fair to all applicants. The scheme rules explicitly state that the grant offer, once accepted, remains valid for 6 months from the date of issue of Grant Offer notification. In accepting the grant offer the applicant accepts all conditions of the scheme indicating those set out in the Application Guide. It is not possible to make exceptions as to do so would be to alter the terms of the scheme and create a precedent for any other parties who have found themselves ineligible.

Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hotline can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has recently established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.