Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has engaged with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on benchmark pricing for retrofitting given that contractors are giving vastly different quotes; if he is taking steps to ensure that quotes given by SEAI-approved contractors are not inflated and are not higher than quotes given independent of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59404/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In February, the Government approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades thereby achieving lower energy bills and lower emissions. The grant levels announced were informed by detailed analysis and research led by the Department and the SEAI. My officials engage with their counterparts in the SEAI on an ongoing basis in relation to the operation of the schemes. The SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes and rates are kept under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors. An independent quantity surveyor review of market costs is due to be commissioned by SEAI before the end of the year.

SEAI contractors are private providers and as such, it is not unexpected that there will be differences in the prices quoted. Furthermore, the cost of a retrofit measure depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended.

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 taxpayers and to sustain consumer confidence and demand. Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an 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. 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.

Since the launch of the enhanced grant schemes earlier this year, demand has been very strong.  Figures from SEAI indicate that, as of end-October:

- Almost 41,000 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 18,400 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 59% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 3,600 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 122% increase on the same period last year.

- Almost 6,000 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – a 79% increase on the same period last year

- Among the overall energy upgrades completed to date this year, 1,341 have included the installation of heat pumps.

My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are criteria that contractors must reach before becoming eligible for the one-stop scheme for retrofitting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59405/22]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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180. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are mechanisms whereby contractors can be removed from the one-stop scheme for retrofitting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland if they are found to be abusing their position and prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59406/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to answer questions 179 and 180 together. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home energy upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.The SEAI advise that twelve OSSs have now been registered and the SEAI is actively working with applicant organisations to support them through the registration process. In this regard, SEAI is focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Therefore, the registration process for this new service must be robust.

The new Scheme is also grounded in strong governance and oversight processes to ensure the OSSs are meeting the necessary customer and quality performance indicators.

The SEAI advise that there are a number of clearly defined minimum eligibility criteria in order to apply to become an OSS. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria under the key areas as outlined below:

- Financial Probity and Business Standing

- Organisational Capability and Technical Competence

- Governance and Legal Requirements

- Business Systems and IT Capability

- Market Engagement

- Skilled Workforce (direct or partnerships) 

- Quality Assurance

- Obligated Party if relevant

- Commitment as a partner and key stakeholder in national retrofit

Once the OSS applicant meets the eligibility criteria, they are then required to submit a strategic plan to SEAI for assessment and agreement and enter into an OSS appointment agreement with SEAI.

In accordance with each OSS quality management system, each OSS must ensure they have sufficient competent resources in place, either directly employed or subcontracted via each OSS subcontractor framework, to satisfy all the home energy upgrade measures required. The individual competency requirements for each specific measure are described in the Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications. Each OSS must ensure, through their competency and onboarding frameworks, internal auditing process and training, that all contractors adhere to these technical requirements. Each OSS is responsible for contracting their own subcontractors via their own appointment criteria.

The OSS will be subject to reviews to ensure compliance with Scheme requirements and any other terms and conditions or requirements of the Scheme. This process will also review broader items to ensure effective operation as a registered OSS.Where SEAI identifies any breaches of the OSS appointment agreement, any breaches of the relevant grant scheme terms and/or any quality management issues then SEAI will have various rights of remediation, suspension and termination provided for in the OSS appointment agreement.