Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I also support the remarks made on the cystic fibrosis centre and call for a debate on the matter.

I call for a debate on the issue of fuel poverty. There have been many reports in the media on rising energy prices, but many do not have the financial capability to deal with high heating costs, particularly if we have a difficult winter.

Approximately 25,000 houses have been covered by the warmer homes scheme, of which 16,240 were covered last year. We are seeking a similar number this year. For those in the scheme who find heating their homes difficult and have been in receipt of the fuel allowance, having their homes insulated for free in recent years has been a good news story. It is a story the Government needs to push. More than 1,000 people per week are applying for the home energy saving scheme.

While there is much doom and gloom concerning fuel poverty, the insulation of homes is a good news story. When people are negative about the carbon tax, it is important to consider its positive aspects. I would welcome a full debate on fuel poverty and call for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan, to attend the House to discuss it.