Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The primary focus of the strategy is to improve thermal efficiency in homes that are at risk. It is not focused on bringing down the price of gas or oil. Gas and oil are imported into the country. We are price takers and there is very little we can do about that. We can, however, reduce our consumption and address the inefficient circumstances in which many people live.

The Deputy is correct. There is a real problem of fuel poverty. I entirely accept that. We are fortunate to have had a particularly mild winter at a time when the price of gas has risen across the western world. Different factors are at play in the United States. As price takers, we are at the receiving end of all of that.

If the Deputy focuses on the rationale behind the affordable energy strategy he will recognise that we will get best bang for our buck if homes are properly insulated and thermally efficient. I am afraid that is, generally, not the case. The work done so far, and the examination of it by the SEAI, shows how successful that work has been. Because of the mild winter it appears there has been a fall-off in applications, which is surprising. That fall-off is also affecting the warmer homes scheme, where there is no charge. The work is done by the State on homes that need it. Even in that area, there has been a fall-off. We will have a meeting on that scheme later this evening, because there is no doubt it is the best and most productive use of taxpayers' money.

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