Since this question was put on the Order Paper the energy picture has changed. Was the Minister aware of the indication I gathered from the RTE "Frontline" programme last Friday that the Minister's colleague, Deputy O'Malley, indicated that some action would be taken by the Government along these lines? Is it right to assume that, other than attic insulation and the other measures listed as qualifying for grants, the Minister is not proposing to make any other kind of energy conservation grant at the moment?

What I said in my reply was that I did not propose to introduce a special scheme of grants. Discussions are also going on at present between our two Departments on this whole subject.

The Minister's reply is not quite clear to me. I should like to have it clarified as soon as Deputy Quinn has finished.

I think it would serve a useful purpose if the minister would clarify this. Is the Minister's Department involved in discussions with the ESB, who are now proposing a 10 per cent discount for insulation? What I am trying to find out is: is there co-ordination on energy conservation between the Minister's Department and the Department directly responsible for energy?

Yes, we are involved in discussions.

Can we expect in the near future some proposals for energy conservation?

We must await the outcome of those discussions.

The Ayatollah may not give us that much time.

The Ayatollah may not last that long.

Is it correct that where insulation is done as part of a general scheme of improvement it is grant-aided?

It comes under the ordinary home improvement grant.

Why not do it separately?

The cost of insulation, cylinder lagging and draught stripping which I have already mentioned is taken into consideration and may be reckoned in calculating the appropriate amount of the improvement grant.

Only if they are part of a general improvement?

They may be reckoned in calculating the appropriate amount of the grant under the existing house improvement grant scheme.

That is worth nothing. If the Minister can estimate how much it is going to cost why not do it as a separate scheme?

It is being taken into consideration under the house improvement grant scheme.

Must I renovate my whole house to get a grant for this?

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