Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the changes announced to the greener homes scheme; the categories of item now included in this scheme; the items that no longer continue to be covered under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21603/11]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the home energy saving scheme; the works that can be grant assisted under this scheme; and any items that have been withdrawn from this scheme. [21604/11]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the size of solar panels that are required to qualify for the better energy scheme; if this represents an increase in the size of solar panels required to qualify for a grant under this scheme compared to previous schemes; if there is any grant available for biomass burners or wood pellet burners; if there has been a reduction in insulation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21605/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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1I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 to 210, inclusive, together.

I announced the launch of Better Energy: the National Upgrade Programme, in early May in the context of the Government's Jobs Initiative. Better Energy Homes replaces the three existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).

The Better Energy grant levels have been set to ensure that the level of Exchequer support is in line with market prices. The grant levels represent approximately 30% of the cost of each efficiency measure supported under the Programme. Since the GHS and HES schemes were launched in 2006 and 2009, respectively, there have been substantial reductions in the prices being charged for most of the measures covered by the schemes, the exception being external insulation, which is a relatively new technology in Ireland.

Measures supported under Better Energy Programme are those designed to deliver the greatest energy savings, thus maximising the value achieved from the Exchequer allocation. The measures grant-aided under this strand include roof and wall insulation, high efficiency boilers, heating control upgrades and solar thermal. Full details of the grant amounts are contained in the table below.

The Better Energy Homes solar grant is €800 for every eligible home where the installation of the system meets the installation requirements as set out in the Code of Practice, which is itself aligned with the current Building Regulations in this area.

The previous renewable energy grant programme, Greener Homes, provided a pro rata grant based on the area and type of panel installed. Better Energy targets the improvement of the energy efficiency of the housing stock. By setting a performance standard for the solar thermal panel, the grant is appropriately linked to the relevant renewable contribution from the installation.

Support for biomass and wood pellet burners through the Greener Homes Scheme was designed to develop a mature and functioning market, which is now in place. Having achieved its objectives wood pellet, wood gasification and heat pump technologies are no longer grant aided and the Scheme has now closed. Since the launch of the Greener Homes Scheme, funding of over €72m has been provided towards the installation of over 33,000 renewable energy heating systems.

Better Energy Support Levels