Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 650: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a scheme for the insulation of homes; if there is a scheme to help the elderly replace windows in private homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14297/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates a number of targeted options to assist vulnerable groups, such as lower income households and older persons, to secure necessary improvement works to their homes. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, a Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, a Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme and a Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People.

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme provides targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people. The type of works which are grant aided under the Scheme include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, the provision of water, sanitary services, heating, repairs to or replacement of windows, provision of central heating and associated insulation works.

In addition, older people living in local authority accommodation can benefit from the central heating programme introduced by my Department in July 2004. The programme assists local authorities in providing central heating facilities in their rented dwellings and, where necessary, in implementing measures to improve energy efficiency.

Through the Remedial Works Scheme, and funding for regeneration and redevelopment projects, my Department also financially assists local authorities in upgrading, renovating and re-developing their housing stock. Works under the Remedial Works Scheme must comply with Building Regulations and where an extensive programme of refurbishment is carried out, measures are taken to improve thermal insulation accordingly.

Sustainable Energy Ireland, under the auspices of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, operates a Low Income Housing Programme, set up to help establish and implement a national plan of action to address the problem of fuel poverty. Core delivery is through the Warmer Homes Scheme, which aims at improving the energy efficiency and comfort conditions of homes occupied by low-income households, and at establishing the systems and growing the capacity to install measures including attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and to provide energy advice.