Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

After 2012 companies will have to purchase their own carbon allowances on the open market and then the consumer should pay. Look at what they are doing in this sector in the United Kingdom. In recent weeks it has been announced that they are providing free cavity-wall and loft insulation for pensioners and other poor households, 50% off insulation for all households and a freeze on this year's bills for 500,000 poor consumers. In addition, they are reversing a cut in an allowance that was previously paid to provide free central heating for the poorest pensioners. A special cold weather payment is being provided if the temperature falls below zero degrees for more than seven consecutive days. The UK has a targeted approach to alleviating the pain of those who are suffering the most, including those who must switch off heaters because they cannot pay their electricity bills and other energy costs. All we are asking for is what most other European countries have already done, which is to produce a co-ordinated, structured energy poverty document so that we can judge the Minister on her commitments.

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