Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants that were approved in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14400/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Better Energy Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Over the past three years the Programme has disbursed Exchequer funding in respect of the Better Energy Homes, Better Energy Warmer Homes, Better Energy Workplaces and Better Energy Communities Schemes.

The Better Energy: Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.

The Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include; draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.

Better Energy: Workplaces supports sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings, services, facilities and processes, in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. The scheme was operational in 2011 and 2012 and is now closed.

Better Energy: Communities commenced in August 2012 and supports sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings, services, facilities and processes, in the community sector. The Communities scheme is aimed at achieving ongoing and lasting energy savings.

Below is a table outlining the expenditure and associated numbers of grants under the Better Energy Programme, over the past 3 years (2010 – 2012).

SEAI Retrofit Grants (2010 - 2012)