Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 420: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reduce the €3,000 levy on contractors to participate in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland schemes in view of the difficult economic conditions in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Better Energy Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and provides financial assistance to householders who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. All works carried out under the scheme must be done by installers registered with the SEAI on the basis of a number of prescribed requirements including:

- Vouched tax compliance

- Vouched insurance cover to undertake works

- As appropriate to the measures to be completed, vouched accreditation by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément and Registered Gas Installers Ireland (RGII)

- Commitment to undertaking works in accordance with the Contractors Technical Specification and Code of Practice

- Commitment to using a contract for all jobs undertaken in the scheme

- Full cooperation with the quality assurance scheme

- Commitment to detailed terms and conditions set out on the registration form.

The charge referred to is not implemented by the SEAI, but is the fee charged to contractors by the NSAI for Agrément Certification for external wall insulation. While the SEAI does require Agrément Certification to participate in the Better Energy scheme, my Department and the SEAI do not have any role in relation to charges set by the NSAI.