Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask the Taoiseach about the very serious risk of energy poverty faced by those who rely on district heating and who pay exorbitant prices for it. In one area of my constituency, residents estimate it now costs €12 to take a shower. Households are no longer taking showers as a result; they are washing with basins of hot water. They have no alternatives and cannot opt for another provider. They are in a prepay system. If in arrears of more than €10, they are cut out. This means some residents are now living without heat or hot water. This is extreme and cannot be allowed to continue. It needs to be addressed urgently. Replies I have received on this to date suggest the Government will take action in the coming months or even years, on the basis that there is no urgency. Will the Government, as a matter of urgency, act on this and ensure those in district heating systems and without access to heating or hot water at affordable rates will be protected?

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