David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider grant aiding the replacement of single glazed windows with double glazing to encourage home energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38252/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme provides grant assistance for a range of energy efficiency measures, including roof insulation, internal and external wall insulation, boilers and heating controls. The measures selected for inclusion in the scheme are considered to be the most optimum to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at least cost. and represent best use of budgetary resources.

While replacement windows are not currently eligible for grant assistance under the scheme, my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland keep all approved measures under the scheme under constant review and will continue to give consideration to the scope for adding other measures to the scheme, subject to budgetary and technical considerations.

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 of up to €10,500 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.