Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a full report on all available insulation grants for householders; the funding being provided for same in 2008; the measures he is taking to provide householders with full information on all available assistance to access low carbon home heating systems and home insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have provided some €4 million to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in 2008 to fund the Warmer Homes Scheme, which is an increase over the €2.5m available to this scheme in 2007. This scheme provides insulation and other energy efficiency solutions to low income homes across Ireland. The service is coordinated by SEI and is delivered principally through community based organisations. The scheme is targeted at householders who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, Disability Benefit or Invalidity Benefit and is provided either free of charge or for a nominal fee (less than €100). Households are identified by community based installers working closely in association with other intermediaries including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Health Services and GP networks.

In relation to promoting low carbon home heating systems, I have provided some €26 million to SEI in 2008 for the Greener Homes Scheme. The scheme provides grants to homeowners investing in renewable energy heating technologies, including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. I will shortly be launching the €5 million pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme. The pilot scheme will be delivered by SEI and through selected Local Energy Agencies. It will inform decisions in relation to the development and roll out of a national Home Energy Saving Scheme for householders in line with the Programme for Government commitment. My colleague, John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, introduced a new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme on 1 November 2007. The scheme provides targeted support to improve housing conditions of older people. The scheme may assist with works that can improve the energy efficiency of homes, such as insulation, provision of central heating and repair or replacement of windows and doors. Application is through the local authorities.

My Department's Power of One energy efficiency awareness campaign makes available information and advice to householders on home insulation, with links from its website to SEI's guide to Home Insulation. SEI also provides information on its website on the main manufacturers and suppliers of energy efficiency products for the home building and home improvement markets in Ireland.