Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

Fuel poverty is described as the inability to afford adequate warmth in a home or the inability to achieve adequate warmth because of the energy and efficiency of the home. The Green Paper on Energy Policy, published in October 2006, stated the Government's commitment to reducing fuel poverty. This issue will be further addressed as the current energy policy formulation process develops through the Green Paper consultation phase and White Paper publication and implementation.

Last year, it should be recalled, the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Séamus Brennan, increased the units of electricity in the free electricity allowance for welfare recipients.