Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all know that we have a growing problem with energy poverty in the State, with approximately 28% of households living with and experiencing fuel poverty every single day. Our primary concern is older people and those who live alone, and also lone parent families. St. Vincent de Paul spends millions every year to assist families to meet their energy costs. It tells us that one in seven lone parents is in severe energy poverty. Some 31% of lone parents spend more than 10% of their income on energy. More than 140,000 children live in homes that have issues with leaks, damp and rot. Carbon tax increases will, according to a Department of Social Protection report, have a disproportionate impact on low income families and households. The continued increase of carbon taxes will increase energy poverty across the State, and it will continue to grow. One small way in which we can protect these families from being cold in their own homes, especially in the depths of winter, is by giving the Minister the power to introduce a ban on such disconnections over the fuel allowance season. I hope this Bill will progress and will be supported by all.

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