Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has proposed that we commission an independent analysis of the transmission transfer, including costs, benefits and regulatory impact assessment. This is set in the context of EU developments and the all-island single electricity market. There is a need for engagement with all relevant stakeholders in the process of implementing Government policy on electricity transmission assets. Government policy is clear and ensures the strategic future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable semi-State bodies with vital roles to play in delivering our national targets for emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as security of supply and energy competitiveness.

Earlier this year, the ESB announced its new strategic framework to 2020, which will see an unprecedented capital investment programme by the company at home and abroad in support of our goals for renewable energy, energy efficiency, emissions reduction and energy security. EirGrid's development strategy 2025 will be published shortly. This will set out an ambitious national strategy for critical investment in the transmission system over the next two decades in support of economic, social and regional development and the integration of renewable energy generation.

Financial supports are available to homeowners under two schemes funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to improve the energy efficiency in existing homes. We would like to see more funding in place for these schemes. However, for households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit, the warmer homes scheme, which I commend to the House and which is managed by Sustainable Energy Ireland, will install cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, a boiler lagging jacket, draught proofing measures and so on. Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use, which is important. These measures are provided free or at a token cost. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, has made €5 million available to this scheme in 2008.

Other householders can avail of grants of up to 30% of the cost of energy efficiency improvement measures under the home energy saving scheme. The Minister launched this scheme in 2008 on a pilot basis, in a limited number of areas, and with a budget of €5 million. The home energy saving scheme has been designed to encourage and incentivise house owners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in order to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. The pilot scheme sought to aid approximately 2,000 homes in 2008, operating in four separate components. The first three components were defined geographic areas. To qualify for the supports which were made available, applying households and the subject houses had to be located in counties Limerick, Clare or Tipperary.

I believe the fuel allowance scheme must be increased in line with the rising cost of fuel. I encourage the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, to do her level best in view of the circumstances in which we now find ourselves to have a meaningful increase in the allowance to cover the cost of all forms of heating in our homes, especially for the most vulnerable. With many previous speakers and members of the communications committee, I am very disappointed with the lack of response from the oil companies in reducing the price of oil when the cost of a barrel of oil on international markets has returned to its cost eight or ten months ago. The cost of oil at the coalface must be decreased also.

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