Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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199. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the financial assistance by way of grants available to elderly persons in private houses to retrofit their homes with a view to conserving energy and in particular with a view to putting in place the appropriate insulation required in order to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43311/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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There are two energy efficiency schemes available to elderly people - the Better Energy Warmer Homes and the Better Energy Homes schemes, both of which are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is a pivotal element of the Affordable Energy Strategy. The energy efficiency measures it delivers are targeted at low-income families that are vulnerable to energy poverty and are living in homes built prior to 2006. The measures are delivered free of charge and the elderly are one of the groups prioritised under the eligibility criteria of the scheme. The programme 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. Energy upgrades are also delivered on an area based approach through a separate programme strand.

Energy efficiency measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. Applicants must demonstrate that they are in receipt of one of the following: Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme; Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age; or Family Income Supplement.

The Better Energy Homes scheme is available to all private homes in Ireland built before 2006 to encourage people to improve the energy performance of their homes, reduce energy costs and thereby improve the comfort levels within their homes. The scheme provides support 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 scheme remains open for applications.

The level of grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme are outlined in the following table.