asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the result of his undertaking to consider the introduction of grants for home insulation.

As a result of my examination of the pros and cons relating to the introduction of grants for home insulation, I have decided to introduce such a scheme. Under this new scheme, which came into effect on 20 October 1980, grants of up to one-third of the combined cost of insulating attics to a minimum depth of four inches (100 mm), of lagging of hot-water cylinders and of weatherstripping doors and windows are now available from my Department. The maximum grant payable is £50.

Application forms and full details of the scheme are available from the Conservation Section, Department of Energy, 88/89 Merrion Square, from energy supply companies, and from the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.

In view of the very low level of the grant, will the Minister ensure that the bureaucratic steps that will be involved in payment of the grant will be cut to the absolute minimum?

I assure the Deputy that that has been done and is being done.

Will there be inspection?

There will be some inspection and there must be, otherwise there will be wholesale abuse of the scheme. However, I assure the Deputy that the inspection system will not be such as to clog up the operation of the scheme.

A final supplementary from Deputy Harte.

Could the Minister give an estimate of the cost of administering the scheme, including investigation?

Not offhand.

Would the Minister consider that it would be in excess of or below the figure of £50?

The Deputy can rest assured that the cost of administering the scheme will not be the equivalent of or anything like the equivalent of the amount of the grant.

Ceist a 20.

Could I ask the Minister——

The Deputy cannot. I have given him the final supplementary.