Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 474: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to extend the grant scheme for the improvement of energy efficiency in homes to include the replacement of single glazed windows with a more energy efficient type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Window replacement works are not eligible for support under the Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme and the Warmer Homes Scheme, both of which are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department.

The schemes provide support for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers and heating controls. These measures were selected for inclusion in the scheme, with the advice from the SEAI, which has considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters. The SEAI recommended these measures to my Department as most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners, at least cost.

I am advised that grants for window replacement are available to those over 60 under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, operated by local authorities on behalf of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This means-tested scheme provides grants to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning and painting.

There are undoubtedly other measures not currently included in the HES and WHS schemes that may also deliver strong energy savings. My Department is keeping the schemes under continuous review and if there is a strong case for adding other measures to the scheme, it will be given full consideration.