Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 479: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing a grant scheme for wood log gasifiers, in view of the fact that there are over 14,000 farm foresters here and such a scheme would incentivise the use of this highly efficient technology for burning wood given that wood log gasifiers comply with the European standard EN303-5 and therefore should be eligible for grant aid under the greener homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Greener Homes Scheme which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland provides support to homeowners investing in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006.

The Scheme is designed to consolidate the market for domestic renewable energy heating technologies, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future for the sector that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for renewable energy products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. The Greener Homes Scheme is continuing to evolve in light of maturing technologies and market developments. In that context the scope for adding further technologies such as wood log gasifiers is being kept under regular review.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 480: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of funding expected to be provided by his Department to improve the energy efficiency of domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21167/08]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the recent grant announced for a pilot scheme of home insulation indicating the persons who can qualify; and the eligibility criteria for all other grants operated for householders by his Department. [20608/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 482 together.

I launched the Pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme last month with a budget of €5 million for 2008. The Scheme, which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), is designed to incentivise homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes thus reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The Pilot Scheme is primarily aimed at older housing stock which is likely to be most in need of energy efficiency retrofitting. Clusters or groups of households are also included in the pilot Scheme.

The Pilot Scheme will operate this year in three geographical areas — North Tipperary, Dundalk Sustainable Energy Zone and Counties Clare and Limerick (excluding Limerick City). The fourth module of the Scheme will not be restricted to any particular area and will focus on clustered households. Participating households will be assigned a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor, which will provide a BER rating on the house and advise on the works that need to be carried out to improve its energy efficiency. The householder will pay a €100 contribution towards the cost of the BER assessment. The advice will relate to attic insulation, interior or exterior wall insulation, low-emissivity double-glazing, heating controls and a range of other energy efficient works. The Pilot Scheme will measure the impact of providing capital grant incentives in three of the four areas. In the Dundalk Zone it is planned to measure the impact of the availability of green loans from financial institutions to incentivise investment by householders. SEI is undertaking the pilot scheme in partnership with Local Energy Agencies and Local Authorities. There are no restrictions on eligibility for the Pilot Scheme, other than the geographical boundaries of the three pilot areas. However, if more applications under the four modules are received than can be accommodated, a form of selection process will be implemented.

Preliminary estimates from SEI show that a household participating in the pilot scheme could save up to €500 in energy bills every year as a result of the energy efficiency investments undertaken. The pilot scheme is expected to result in reduced CO2 emissions of 6,000 tonnes per year, while the full €100 million scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government could be expected to yield CO2 savings of 175,000 tonnes per year. Decisions in relation to the roll-out of a national Scheme will be made in light of the Pilot Scheme and overall budgetary considerations.

The Warmer Homes Scheme has been in operation for a number of years and provides support to low income households for insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. The scheme administered by SEI and is currently being implemented by 18 community groups. Eligible homes are identified locally via networks drawn from the statutory and voluntary sector. Eligibility criteria are determined locally and can vary from one area to another.