Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a grant scheme for the general public to replace single-glazed windows with energy-efficient double- or triple-glazed windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20949/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Window replacement works are not eligible for support under either Better Energy: Homes or Better Energy: Warmer Homes, both of which are operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department.

The Better Energy: Homes scheme provide support for attic and wall insulation, solar thermal, efficient boilers and heating controls. These measures were selected for inclusion on the advice of 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.

My Department keeps the Better Energy: Homes scheme under continuous review and if there is a strong case for adding new measures to the scheme, it will be given full consideration.