Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of energy, there is a raft of questions that could be asked. I refer, in particular, to the sustainable energy programmes, the warmer homes scheme and the impact of these on reducing energy consumption, particularly through retrofitting, for example. Perhaps the Minister will state how the new system of grants is operating. Is there sufficient funding within the sustainable energy programmes? What kind of take-up is there?

Fuel poverty also falls under the energy subhead. This covers the difficulty people face heating their homes, disconnections and the number whose energy bills are in arrears.

The committee has been pursuing safety within the energy sector. Lastly, the Minister referred to the regulation of Registered Electrical Contractors of Ireland and the registered contractors dealing with certain electrical work in households. An issue arises with regard to the need to have fully qualified and certified people dealing with any issues that may arise with regard to supplying gas to houses. This needs to be examined further. We have been in negotiation with the Commission for Energy Regulation. Perhaps there is progress in the Department also.

On the energy sector, one could talk about wind turbines and the programmes for finding considerable onshore and offshore energy resources. I will deal with the sustainable energy programmes, the issues in regard to fuel poverty and the concern that must be in the Department given the figures that are coming back.