Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 668: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grant available to people over the age of 65 years for the provision of pumped cavity insulation to make their home more energy efficient; if this is covered under the housing aid for older people scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14608/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, which is administered by local authorities, provides targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people. The types of works which may be grant aided under the Scheme are varied and may include the provision of insulation works. Under the Scheme, it is a matter for the local authority concerned to determine the types of works which are reasonably necessary for the proper accommodation of individual applicants.

In addition, older people living in local authority housing may 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 ensure the energy efficiency of the dwelling.

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 in Ireland to install measures including attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, and cavity wall insulation, and to provide energy advice.