Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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1119. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason window replacement is not covered in the better energy warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13241/17]

Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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1120. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if consideration will be given to a grant for the replacement of windows that provide energy savings for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13242/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1120 together.

The measures currently offered under both the Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes were selected as the best balance that could be achieved between the resources available to the schemes, the number of homes that can receive support and the energy savings that can delivered. In short, the measures supported are those that can deliver the most energy savings at the lowest cost to the highest number of people. While upgrading windows does improve the energy efficiency of a home, the cost of this measure is high in relation to the energy efficiency gains made.

Nevertheless as we move towards deeper renovation of homes, as will be necessary to meet our 2020 and 2030 climate and energy goals, window replacement could become cost effective as part of a wider package of upgrades to the fabric of a building. My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are now testing out the channels for carrying out deeper renovation in homes across the country to inform future policy.

For this reason window upgrades are eligible for funding under the Better Energy Communities scheme in 2017, when carried out as part of a combined fabric upgrade, which also includes upgrades to insulation, ventilation and doors. Grant funding is available for up to 50% of the cost of these works in homes.

Additionally, under the Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme, which is led by my Department in collaboration with the Department of Health, energy efficient windows and doors are installed wherever a surveyor deems them necessary. Earlier this month I announced that homes with particularly low thermal efficiency, that qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme, will now be eligible for a deeper retrofit package in addition to the currently funded measures.

I have also requested SEAI to review the measures that are supported through the SEAI home energy grant schemes and the results of this review will inform any future measures that may be offered.

The Deputy may also note that the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government funds the Housing Aid for Older People scheme. This scheme is administered by Local Authorities and provides grants to older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to (or replacement of), windows and doors, provision of water supply, sanitary facilities and heating.