NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie recently visited a Downpatrick home to see at first hand the benefits of the Warm Homes Scheme.

The home was recently made 43% more energy efficient by replacing its Petroleum Gas system with a new oil central heating system installed through the Warm Homes Scheme.

Margaret Ritchie said: "What I have seen here today illustrates the huge difference this scheme can make to people's lives, their warmth, their comfort and their heating bills."

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The Warm Homes Scheme is the Department for Social Development's main instrument in tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. Since its introduction in 2001, almost 75,000 homes across Northern Ireland have benefited from a range of measures, which have significantly improved their energy efficiency.

Minister Ritchie continued: "I am committed to improving the warmth and comfort of vulnerable households and I will continue to do everything in my power to assist those in poverty. The Warm Homes Scheme has already improved the energy efficiency of over 4,000 homes this year.

"I want to thank Bryson Charitable Group for their contribution in carrying out the work on this and many other homes on behalf of the Housing Executive. I would also like to thank Ms McMullan for inviting me into her home, and affording me the opportunity to see for myself how this scheme has benefited her."

(NS/BMcC)