Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if non-owner occupiers are precluded from applying for the home insulation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27399/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme provides grants to homeowners who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their home in order to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is open to all owners of existing houses built before 2006. Assistance is provided by way of fixed grants towards the cost of implementing eligible upgrade measures, which are roof insulation, wall insulation, high efficiency boilers and heating control upgrades.

While it is a fundamental requirement that the applicant be the owner of the home, owners of multiple properties may also apply by submitting a separate application for each property. The SEAI also has in place specific arrangements for landlords and/or management companies of apartment blocks where they may be considering an entire building upgrade. This is designed to encourage whole of building solutions and also to facilitate collections of smaller accommodation units which may not individually qualify.