Mr. Frank Maughan:

On the 50% versus 25%, the current emissions trading directive requires that at least 50% of revenue generated from auctions must be used by member states to finance climate-related activities. I understand that Ireland has assigned pretty much all revenue from auctioning in recent years to climate-related activities. However, that is not directly comparable with the 25% figure in the current proposal because that figure relates to the amount of revenues that should be effectively diverted to the EU budget for the social climate fund. The remainder of the revenues from auctioning, apart from the innovation fund, are to be allocated to the member states. However, in its proposal, the Commission says that those revenues which go to the member states should be used to co-finance their social climate plans. Therefore, I would not characterise it as a reduction in the threshold amount by any means. The figures are not directly comparable.

Unfortunately, I do not have an update on the CSO indicators on fuel poverty. I can come back to the committee with any information on the current status of that.