Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Briefly, I would hope that in the budget, which is very relevant to what we are talking about, that scheme will be improved.

As well as the fuel allowance, another issue that has been raised often with me is the question of those in receipt of the widow's pension who are under 66 years of age and who do not qualify for those packages. I hope the Minister will address that aspect.

I welcome the warmer home scheme and the housing adaptation scheme. Of course, if we had more money for the retrofit programme, as I hope we will next year, we would be able to deliver for 1 million residential, public and commercial buildings in Ireland. I welcome this debate. I am glad of the opportunity to say my few words in it.

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