Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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1551. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland makes available to the public the details of any contractors who have been removed from the registered list of contractors for the purposes of SEAI grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31621/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Since 2009 the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has operated the Better Energy scheme on behalf of my Department. Collectively, the scheme has provided over €400 million in grant support towards energy efficiency upgrades in almost 300,000 homes, supporting around 2,300 jobs per annum in the construction sector.

Contractors who wish to participate in the scheme are required to register with the SEAI. This involves giving a commitment to undertake all works in accordance with the scheme's technical specifications, demonstrate tax compliance and insurance cover, and co-operate with the scheme’s quality assurance programme.

The quality assurance programme : maintains high standards of contractor workmanship; builds consumer confidence; monitors health and safety; and ensures proper governance of public monies. Inspections are undertaken on a risk based approach in accordance with international best practice. Where any non-compliance with the terms of the scheme is identified, the results of the inspection are shared with the individual homeowner, and the contractor is obliged to revisit the property and complete remedial works. If the contractor fails to complete the remedial works to the required standard, then they are de-registered from the scheme. Participation in the Better Energy schemes is elective and a contractor may at any point choose not to participate for their own business reasons. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to publish a list of those contractors removed from the registered list.