Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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102. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the focus there will be on tackling fuel poverty in the upcoming White Paper on energy. [23467/15]

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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What focus will be placed on tackling fuel poverty in the upcoming White Paper on energy?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government’s strategy on affordable energy highlights how addressing energy poverty is a critical whole-of-government responsibility. To that end, my Department offers energy efficiency upgrades that are free of charge to households that are at risk of energy poverty. I introduced a new scheme in 2014 that requires the main energy suppliers to deliver annual energy efficiency savings, a certain proportion of which must be in the energy poverty sector. Other Departments are also proactive in tackling energy poverty, including the Department of Social Protection, through its income supports for those in energy poverty, and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, which offers a range of supports through local authorities.

While energy poverty will of course be an important element of the forthcoming White Paper, there will also be a new Government strategy on affordable energy published in the autumn of this year. This strategy will be informed by the results of the engagement on the consultation paper on affordable energy published earlier this year. The aim of the strategy will be to focus on a small number of high-impact actions. I intend to make progress on those actions over the next three years with a view to tackling energy poverty to maximum effect.

As I noted in the consultation paper on affordable energy, ensuring that there is an adequate level of oversight and accountability will be critical to our efforts in combating energy poverty, and I would welcome engagement with the Oireachtas committees in this regard. I note that the Deputy made a submission on the affordable energy consultation paper and I very much welcome his interest and active engagement.

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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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.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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.

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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The point I made about the EU is that we have copious documentation about the wider energy issues, including the press for renewable energies and the policy of reducing CO₂emissions output. Sometimes this can have a cost impact on consumers. We must protect those at risk of fuel poverty in all those discussions. I do not see the same emphasis on the cost poverty element of it. I would like to see as much discussion, debate and decision-making in that area as there is in the other areas, welcome as they are.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I take the point. As we migrate to a decarbonised economy here and elsewhere in Europe, we must always remember that there is a cost associated with these changes. Those costs must be discharged, regardless of whether it is directly from the Exchequer or from the consumer, industry or business. The cost must land somewhere in the system and the economy. The Deputy makes a fair point that there should be protections to ensure those at greatest risk and those who are vulnerable do not have to face a disproportionate cost given too many people struggle with their bills. I take the Deputy's point, which is a good one.