Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The regulator took a decision that was in the interest of consumers. There was much hype at the time and there was talk of oil going to $147 a barrel. People were tripping over themselves telling us how they predicted it would be €200 before the year was out. We all know what happened.

We are hopeful that the downward trend in global fuel prices will be reflected in decreases this year. To address concerns of consumers, we are adopting an integrated cross-Government approach to tackling the issues of energy affordability and fuel poverty. One of the root causes of fuel poverty is the legacy of older housing with poor energy efficiency standards, an issue that was discussed in the House recently. In order to address this, the Minister will shortly announce the launch of the national home energy saving scheme, with a multimillion euro budget, in 2009. This will support those with inefficient houses to upgrade their homes, making them warmer and more comfortable. This is a scheme that makes sense and is one that has been sought by Members on all sides.

Government policy in recent years has also focused on increasing primary social welfare rates significantly, to ensure that people on social welfare can meet their basic living costs, including heating costs, throughout the year. In addition to improved basic payments, expenditure by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on the fuel allowance and electricity or gas allowance is expected to be more than €426 million this year.

Sustainable Energy Ireland's low income housing programme was also established by the Government to systematically address the underlying causes of fuel poverty. The programme's primary focus is the warmer homes scheme, which provides attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and energy advice at little or no cost to eligible households. The warmer homes scheme allocation for 2009 is €5 million, with a further €5 million being leveraged from ESB and BGE. This means over 8,000 low income homes are being made more energy efficient this year.

The roll-out of smart meters nationally will allow people make choices with regard to how they use and how much electricity they use.

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