John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grant schemes or other schemes available to local authority tenants to fully insulate their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In line with overall national policy which promotes a reduction in energy use, the enhancement of energy efficiency standards remains a priority within my Department's overall strategy for the improvement of local authority housing.

My Department does not operate a grant scheme in this regard for individual local authority tenants but under the Department's Social Housing Investment Programme, local authorities are allocated capital funding each year in respect of a range of measures to improve the standard and overall quality of their social housing stock. The programme includes a retrofitting measure aimed at improving the energy efficiency of older apartments and houses by reducing heat loss through the fabric of the building and the installation of high-efficiency condensing boilers.

Given the constraints on new local authority housing supply, it is important that the existing stock of local authority housing is available and in fit condition to meet housing need. Under the allocation to be made in respect of this year's programme there is a particular focus on returning vacant properties to productive use. Works to occupied units may also be carried out, from within the allocation provided, where the local authority considers this appropriate.