Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that fuel poverty is rampant in this country. The figure of 28% is frightening because it is more than one in four. It has been exacerbated by the cuts to the fuel allowance but the partial restoration, however small, is very welcome. I do not know if doing a report on the matter will bring any immediate improvements but I do not see any reason a report would not be done. The Minister should give serious consideration to this amendment. All it asks is that a report be done. I know the Civil Service and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection are very busy but it is an issue that will have to be tackled across Departments. It is not just a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection issue so if the Government is to look at this as a Government, it would be very useful to have something like that as a reference point.