468. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the provision of energy efficient windows is covered under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8514/16]

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a number of schemes on behalf of my Department to support energy efficiency improvements to homes. The Better Energy Homes scheme makes a range of grants available to home-owners who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their home, the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme offers free energy efficiency upgrades to those in energy poverty and the Better Energy Communities scheme funds community activity on energy efficiency.

The measures currently supported are those that can deliver the most energy savings at the lowest cost and the upgrade of windows is not currently supported under the Better Energy Programme due to the need to balance the limited budgetary resources available with the demand for  the programme.  While window insulation does improve the energy efficiency of a home, the cost of such a measure is high in relation to the energy efficiency gains made.

Information on the grant support available under the Better Energy Programme is available on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie.