Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his kindness in allowing a few extra minutes. I thank the Minister for his reply. Regarding the actions he has taken, has he set up the independently chaired energy poverty advisory group, which I believe he promised as part of the strategy? He is very aware of how huge a problem this is. All Deputies are. It is estimated that 400,000 households live with some kind of energy poverty, and Age Action states perhaps 2,000 senior citizens die from energy-poverty-related illnesses each year. The Minister mentioned the warmth and well-being energy efficiency programme, which I welcome. Is it possible to extend that? The pilot scheme was in action in the south side of Dublin. When does the Minister intend to extend the programme to the postal areas of Dublin 3, 5, 9, 13 and 17, the postal areas in the area I represent, Dublin Bay North?

The Minister mentioned SEAI and the work it does through the warmer homes initiative. He promised there would be free upgrades. He reported that 120,000 homes had gone through the better energy warmer homes scheme. Was there more action on that?

The EU programme Horizon 2020 was the background to the Minister's promoting and financing of energy efficiency in Ireland. The associated event took place earlier this year in Dublin. What was the outcome of that? Is the Minister in a position to secure further EU funding to tackle this very real problem? It is huge European problem, as the Minister knows. Some 54 million people are affected by energy poverty in the European Union.

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