Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Finance if the terms and conditions governing eligibility for the tax credit scheme for the upgrading of existing housing stock has been finalised; if he has had consultations on this matter with the Department of Finance and if he will ensure that the scheme will cover replacement of windows and doors in view of the significant potential heat loss in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5928/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Section 13 of the Finance Act 2011 provides for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works that are carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. Relief will be available for qualifying expenditure of up to a maximum of €10,000 for single individuals, or up to a maximum of €15,000 per qualifying property. The scheme will be operated primarily by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners.

The maximum amount of expenditure that will qualify for relief in any one tax year is €150 million. Relief will be given by way of repayment in the tax year following that in which the work was completed and the expenditure incurred. I will determine the list of approved works under the scheme in consultation with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Discussions are currently ongoing between my officials, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on those works that will qualify. At this stage it is envisaged that the replacement of windows and doors, where these meet certain standards, will be included in the scheme.

Due to the truncated timetable for the Finance Bill 2011, it was not possible to consider a number of potential legislative amendments to the scheme. These will be addressed in the forthcoming Finance Bill. In addition, a commitment was made to the House to publish an Ex-Ante Economic Impact Assessment of the scheme before commencing it via Ministerial order. My officials are currently working on this assessment and it will be published as soon as it has been completed.