Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Government policy is clearly set out in the Green Paper on energy policy. The development of further physical interconnection and the integration of our energy market with our neighbours' through the development of the Single European Market, SEM, and regional energy markets is a cornerstone of Government policy. The amendments proposed by the Deputy do not fit with the section dealing with the SEM.

Legislation dealing with vulnerable customers has already been introduced and measures to deal with fuel poverty are set out in the energy policy Green Paper. The vulnerable customers' payment and assistance scheme sees the ESB and Bord Gáis help vulnerable customers. Those facing financial hardship should not allow their accounts fall into arrears but should contact their service provider as soon as possible to agree a payment plan. Service will not be withdrawn where there is an agreed payment plan in place and payments are kept up to date in accordance with the agreed plan.

Further to what Deputy Broughan has said, there is scope for lessening home heating costs through the warmer home scheme, which is part of Sustainable Energy Ireland's low cost income housing programme. The purpose of this scheme is to improve the energy efficiency and comfort conditions of homes occupied by low income householders. The scheme provides funding for community based organisations for the installation of energy efficiency measures, such as attic insulation, draft proofing, hot water cylinder installation and wall cavity insulation, in homes in their respective localities. The scheme is intended to benefit those most in need and the eligibility criteria vary from region to region depending on the target group of the community organisation in question.

We all agree with the Deputy's comments that there is a significant fuel burden on people, particularly low income families, because of the increases in energy costs. However, this is a worldwide phenomenon and one for which surely the Deputy cannot blame the Government.

As regards the query on the gas supplier of last resort, the shipper of last resort is provided for later in this Bill. Bord Gáis Éireann has been appointed to fulfil this role should there be a failure in any other energy provider.

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