asked the Minister for the Environment the reasons a scheme of grants for insulation of premises has not been introduced as a positive step towards energy conservation.

While I do not propose to introduce a special grant for the thermal insulation of houses, I would like to inform the Deputy that under the house improvement grants scheme the cost of works such as attic insulation, pipes and cylinder lagging and draught elimination is reckonable in calculating the amount of the grant.

High standards of thermal insulation apply to private grant-aided houses and to all houses provided by local authorities.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it not a fact that insulation work alone does not qualify for a grant?

That is right.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister not think that in this time of energy crisis he should introduce a special grant to encourage people to insulate their houses and in that way to save energy?

It is taken into consideration with the assessment for the ordinary grant.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Yes, but that means that if a person works to have his house insulated he does not qualify for a grant.

It is not specifically for that purpose.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister introduce a special grant to encourage people to insulate their houses and save energy?

Question No. 21.

At present I have no plans to introduce a special grant but the suggestion might be worth examining.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I know that the Minister has no plans, but has he any money?

I have not run out of money yet.

Does the Minister know of any other EEC country where grants are not available for this type of work?

No, and I do not know whether they are payable or not.

Question No. 21.