Vol. 442 No. 7
57 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, in view of the increase to £2.05 million in the energy conservation allocation in the 1994 budget, this allocation will be available for domestic insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are no proposals at present to make grant assistance for domestic insulation available from the 1994 allocation to energy conservation. The increased allocation of £2.05 million to energy conservation in the 1994 estimates is in respect of a specific series of measures to further the national energy conservation programme including the establishment of an Irish energy centre and the provision of investment, technical advice and back up measures in respect of an expanded Forbairt programme in the area. Accordingly, there is no scope to make any part of the allocation available for grant assistance in respect of domestic insulation.
However, I must point out to the Deputy that for the past number of years my Department has provided funding to Energy Action Limited, a voluntary organisation who combat cold in the homes of the elderly and needy by means of insulating and draught proofing such homes. In 1994 it is planned to significantly increase funding to the organisation from the 1993 level of £35,000 so as to develop and extend the group's activities.
