Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

A couple of points arise from the Minister's reply. Is her Department engaging with other Departments on house building, especially local authority housing, to ensure that the best insulation systems are in place to capture the maximum heat in the home? Does the Department have a role in that regard?

Regarding the €123 million extra it would cost to provide the fuel allowance all year round, does the Minister accept that if she does not do so that a significant amount of that sum will be expended by the Department of Health and Children to treat colds, pneumonia and other ailments that will result from a lack of heat, especially among older people? I agree with the Minister that the purpose of the allowance is to ensure people can meet their heating costs. However, they are clearly not meeting their costs. Given the significant increase in fuel prices, does the Minister accept that something needs to happen urgently?

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