Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

It is important to recognise that the home energy saving scheme is operating well. However, as I have discussed with the Minister on previous occasions, there are concerns about SEI-registered companies charging more than they should. We must ensure there is effective competition in terms of pricing so that home owners get the best possible value from the companies that are registered.

The focus of this question is whether the scheme can be extended to include windows. In most cases, up to 40% of heat loss from a room is lost through closed windows. It is not good value for money to insulate walls and ceilings if the room contains single glazed or poorly double glazed windows. If we are serious about upgrading the stock of approximately 2 million houses throughout the State, we must tackle the issue of insulation for windows as well as walls and ceilings. Windows represent a problem in terms of energy efficiency in most housing stock that is more than five years old.

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