Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have this opportunity to take part in this debate on a Private Members' motion on electricity, energy and fuel, broadly amended by the Government. I am glad that the Labour Party tabled the motion but I am more glad that the Government has amended it to reflect the reality of the good work that has been undertaken by agencies on behalf of the State.

Perhaps the Labour Party has selective memory or perhaps its elected representatives are not aware of the good work that has been and is being done across the country under the warmer homes scheme. I am astounded that it failed to mention it in its motion. Then again it is always easier for the Labour Party to complain and be against everything than to be constructive or for something.

It is on the topic of this scheme that I wish to spend most of my allotted time, as it is one that works and one that is of great benefit to my constituents in Meath East. The warmer homes scheme was set up by the Government to systematically address the poor heat efficiency performance of low income housing. The scheme provides attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation, energy advice and, in some cases, even new central heating systems. Many people are surprised to learned that central heating is provided under this scheme in certain circumstances.

The scheme is targeted at householders who are in receipt of the fuel allowance under a scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection. In addition to the works carried out under the scheme, information is also provided to the householder on energy awareness. We know of many examples of how this scheme benefits people. We had a discussion on fuel poverty at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Social Protection and I battled to have the warmer homes scheme discussed. We were given the figures for the reduction in energy bills that results from works under this scheme. I have seen people across my constituency overjoyed with the work carried to their houses under this scheme and with the difference it makes. As the winter approaches, the number of telephone calls to my office about this scheme have increased and interest in it is peaking as we approach the colder months. Some 99% of people are extremely satisfied with the work under the scheme and if an issue arises, it is easy to get the contractor to come back to deal with it. By the end of this year more than 22,500 homes will have benefited from the scheme. It is making the lives of constituents better on a real basis and it demonstrates the commitment of the Government to tackling fuel poverty, not just by way of a handout but by way of reducing energy bills for individuals and for the State and creating employment among the contractors who carry out these works. Constituents in Kells, Ashbourne, Duleek, Navan, Drumconrath and places like that have all received a fantastic service under this scheme and they will see considerable reductions in their heating bills this winter. Ultimately, they will have a better quality of life.

Members of the Carers Association were in the precincts of this House today to present the association's pre-budget submission. Carers and the people they look after are often some of the people most in need of ensuring they have fuel efficiency. Some of them have the highest fuel and heating bills in the country. The warmer homes scheme directly addresses some of the issues affecting this crucially important sector of society.

I hope that in the next budget the Government can increase the allocation for the warmer homes scheme and progress further with the national retrofitting programme. Not only does it reduce fuel poverty, it increases local employment opportunities for people who otherwise might be out of work. Perhaps the scheme's eligibility criteria could be expanded. It has to have some kind of a test and the test is whether one qualifies for the fuel allowance but, unfortunately, that excludes people in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit. It would be worthwhile to have those groups included because they face substantial heating bills. While this would cost additional moneys it would no doubt be recouped through PAYE and PRSI paid by the contractors carrying out those works. The scheme serves the twin purpose of reducing fuel poverty and increasing local employment. Anyone who is not aware of the scheme, is in receipt of the fuel allowance and wants to find out if they would be eligible to have works carried out under this scheme will get a positive answer from the Government that this Government is prepared to improve their homes, the fuel and heat efficiency and, ultimately, reduce their bills by the most effective means possible.

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