Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I commend the amendment to the motion, but thank the Fine Gael Party for giving us the opportunity to discuss energy poverty. It is somewhat ironic that the debate over the previous 24 hours has referred to billions of euro, whereas we are now discussing energy poverty where a few extra euro can make the difference between people just surviving or living with some comfort. Previous speakers have shared with us their experiences of some of the difficulties concerning constituents and people's fears for the winter ahead.

The cost of energy has attracted much attention in recent times. While many headlines have been given over to business — and there is no denying that energy costs constitute a major competitiveness issue — the cost of energy to households is equally important. It is correct that the Government should give its attention to that matter also. I grew up in a rural part of County Kildare where there was a great tradition of cutting turf so that by the end of the summer householders would have a shed full of turf for the winter ahead. The introduction of special areas of conservation, however, means that for many households around the country that provision is no longer possible. Fuel is a big problem for many homes and, unfortunately, poorer people must spend a greater percentage of their income on it than others who are better off. In many cases, such people are living in homes that are not energy efficient, but small changes could improve the temperature of their dwellings.

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