Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 33, line 12, after "("Fund")." to insert the following:

"The Fund shall be integrated into the fuel poverty programme and all measures proofed to ensure compliance with the objectives of that programme.".

Every Member of this House is aware of the number of people caught up in fuel poverty at this time of the year. Many people go without adequate fuel provision and there are consequences to this, particularly for elderly people living in rural and isolated areas who find themselves unable to provide adequate fuel to heat their houses, themselves and their families. If the amendment was made, it would be a commitment that people who need heating urgently and are in dire circumstances will be compensated accordingly. I hope the Minister will accept this amendment in the terms in which it is meant. It is intended to help elderly people, low-income families and those on social welfare and on old age pensions who find themselves in these circumstances. This would provide certainty.

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