Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1661. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a flat roof that would traditionally need improved insulation is not covered under the better energy warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24709/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes (BEWH) Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, who meet the eligibility criteria. The measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. To date the scheme has upgraded 125,000 energy poor homes, with an overall spend of more than €160m in Exchequer funds.

Given the limited resources allocated to the scheme and the number of homeowners eligible for support, the measures available under the scheme must reflect a balance between the cost of delivery and the number of homes that can be supported under the scheme. More costly delivery to individual homes means that less householders can benefit from the scheme each year.

As noted, attic insulation is one of the measures typically delivered under the scheme. The provision of attic insulation is by way of quilted fibre insulation which is rolled out in the attic space to a height of 300mm. This work requires sufficient space in the attic for the insulation to be rolled out and space for the work to be completed. It is not always possible to deliver this to homes where technical or health and safety issues arise, or where appropriate ventilation cannot be installed.

Flat roofs typically do not permit rolled quilted insulation material to be installed. Such roofs are sealed and installing insulation can involve opening up the roof, installing dry-lining and making substantial alterations to ventilation systems. These alterations would add significantly to the cost of the delivery and as such are beyond the scope of the Warmer Homes scheme.