Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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227. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to routinely inspect works carried by building contractors in cases in which grant assistance has been paid; the number of inspections that were carried out in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29635/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the retrofit industry transforms to accommodate much higher levels of output in line with our national targets, quality must be maintained at a high level to ensure value for money for the tax-payers and to sustain consumer confidence and demand. Contractors operating under any scheme supported by a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents.In addition, contractors are required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with the scheme's Quality Assurance (QA) programme.  The QA programme has been designed to maintain high standards of contractor workmanship; build consumer confidence; monitor health and safety; and ensure proper governance of the spending of public money. Inspections are undertaken on a risk-based approach in accordance with international best practice. When sub-standard works are found, contractors are required to rectify the works to the satisfaction of the inspector, at no cost to the home-owner.

The SEAI carries out verification inspections on grant aided works on a sample basis to ensure grants are paid in accordance with SEAI’s terms and conditions. Inspections may take the form of site inspections where an Inspector verifies the works completed on site, or a desktop audit where documentary and photographic evidence is reviewed to substantiate the works that have been completed.

The information requested regardng the number of inspections carried out is set out in the Table below.