Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a value for money review was carried out by him with respect to energy grants prior to the implementation of cuts as part of budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41007/11]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the economic implications of the cuts to energy grants per budget 2012, as industry sources suggest that the Exchequer receives €5 for every €1 spent on grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41010/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers Better Energy on behalf of my Department. As announced in the context of the Budget, the Government has committed significant funding of €76 million to the Better Energy Programme next year. The Programme will continue support economic activity in 2012, supporting at least 4,500 jobs and realising anticipated energy savings of 340GWh.

The budget allocation was decided upon taking account of the Capital Review conducted by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Better Energy Programme is in line with the key criteria governing the Government's investment priorities i.e. consistency with the Programme for Government objectives (including returning to sustainable public finances), supporting sustainable employment (as well as employment in the immediate delivery phase) and meeting critical economic and social infrastructure deficits.