Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Those of us who are out meeting people know that, in very many circumstances, there are still people who face a choice between heating and eating. The financial supports for energy have not kept pace with the increasing costs of energy. We need to examine further the issues of retrofitting, solar energy panels on houses, building standards and planning controls. Will the Government's strategy on affordable energy take into account the absence of a European focus on energy poverty? There is a considerable focus on energy companies and Government strategy but not so much on energy poverty. We have to come up with a solution whereby the poorest can afford to keep warm.

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