Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the recently announced grants for the installation of high performance boilers and insulation will be extended to include work that has been recently completed or is currently under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7219/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the new insulation grant scheme will provide assistance to home owners for the replacement of windows and doors or the provision of proper insulation of windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7230/09]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the installation of new draught-proof double glazed windows will be included as work eligible for the award of the insulation grants announced recently by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7312/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 383, 384 and 388 together.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme which I launched on 8 February last, provides grant assistance to homeowners for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers and heating controls. These measures were selected for inclusion in the scheme, with the assistance of SEI, which has built up a considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters as part of their statutory remit and in the course of their oversight of the pilot phase of the scheme in 2008. SEI recommended these measures as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at the least cost. Insulation of windows and doors is not eligible for grant assistance under the scheme. My Department and SEI will however be keeping the scheme under review including the scope for adding other measures to the Scheme subject to budgetary and technical considerations.

The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners and landlords will be able to apply under the scheme from next month. In the meantime, homeowners can register their interest with SEI on 1850 927000 or at hes@sei.ie Homeowners may arrange to have a building energy rating carried out immediately, if they wish, but this is not a requirement for participation in the scheme. However, homeowners should not undertake any remedial work until they have received grant approval from SEI. Accordingly work underway or recently completed will not be eligible for grant assistance.