Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Deputy Nolan's sentiments. Will the Minister of State relay our message to the Minister, Deputy Noonan? The Government is trying to implement an energy affordability strategy. Supports will be available to houses to make them more efficient, but what will the budget be, where will the money come from and how will people benefit from it? Currently, much of the strategy is being delivered through Leader programmes and, for example, the Waterford city development area networks. I hope that the reforms under way in that regard will ensure that this type of work continues, as it is of vital assistance to those on limited incomes in particular. What resources will be put behind this strategy?

I appeal to the Minister for Finance to allow people some time to get back on their feet before this proposed tax is imposed on 1 May.

See this speech in context