Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, I appreciate the Deputy's interest and insights on this issue. I agree with him that this is an area in which we need to continue with our efforts. We need to increase our efforts in order to have a policy that addresses this undoubted issue. The Deputy mentioned solar panels and retrofitting. There have been initiatives in this regard. I was involved in announcing some community-based initiatives with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland just last week.

I am interested in the Deputy's point on the absence of a European focus. I have heard him make that point here before. It is, perhaps, a reasonable enough insight. I was at a meeting of energy Ministers last week in Luxembourg where I raised with colleagues this question and the importance of there being an agenda item or focus on energy poverty.

He is right and I appreciate his insights. It is certainly something that is a major priority for me, as will be seen when I publish the affordable energy strategy later in the year.

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