Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the proposed sale of commercial sections of Bord Gáis Éireann, he will outline the impact that this will have on the forthcoming pay as you save home retrofitting finance model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12633/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Programme for Government includes a commitment to roll out a Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS) retrofit scheme after 2013, to replace the Exchequer funding currently being provided to the Better Energy Programme. The PAYS concept is an innovative financing mechanism that would allow consumers to finance upgrades using the money that they would have spent on their energy bill. Such a scheme can also be used to stimulate investments in energy efficiency in non-domestic buildings and premises. My Department has established a project team to undertake the necessary technical and financial analysis of a PAYS model in the Irish context which will inform my proposals to the Government.

There are considerable complexities involved in the development of the PAYS scheme, which is requiring comprehensive consultation with all energy suppliers, including Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ). I do not envisage that the prospective disposal of BGÉ's Energy business, announced as part of the Government's State Assets Programme will have any impact on the PAYS model. All energy suppliers whether State or privately owned will be involved in the scheme.