148. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the rationale for requiring a new building energy rating assessment where a homeowner applies for a second grant under the better energy homes scheme within a number of years of a previous grant application and BER assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51856/26]

149. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he is concerned that the requirement to obtain a new building energy rating assessment for each grant application under the better energy homes scheme would substantially reduce the net value of the grant received by a homeowner; and whether he will review this requirement [51857/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department.

The SEAI operate their schemes within a specified governance framework with a set of rules determining eligibility for grant support. As a publicly funded programme, the rules around grant applications must be adhered to by the SEAI in all cases. Achieving this requires that the processes and systems are clear and efficient and operate in a manner which is fair to all applicants. The homeowner application guide can be found at: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Homeowner-Application-Guide.pdf

Following completion of the works and to claim the grant payment, it is a requirement to have a registered BER Assessor undertake a BER assessment of your home for inclusion with all paperwork being submitted to the SEAI. This rule applies each time works are undertaken. The BER assessment is grant-aided.

The SEAI has on their website information on the BER assessment process, including on the BER rating and how it can be affected by different energy efficiency measures such as wall, attic and floor insulation of the building and heating systems and controls. The particular page on the SEAI website can be found at: www.seai.ie/ber/understand-a-ber-rating

Homeowners can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on BER assessments either by email at: info@ber.seai.ie or by telephone at 01 8082054. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address: oireachtas@seai.ie.

My Department and the SEAI will continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors, making appropriate changes as necessary.