Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I refer to the publication of the Government's affordable energy strategy in November. It is available in the Oireachtas Library for anybody who wants to pursue it. I agree with Senator Byrne that energy efficiency is the most effective way of spending money to address the issue of fuel poverty. I commend the work in this regard of my predecessor, Mr. Eamon Ryan, and I hope notwithstanding the strapped circumstances in which we find ourselves that we can build on it.

I am glad to see this motion brought to the House on an issue which is not as tempting for the media as other areas in politics but is a very critical area for the consumer, business and economic development. I look forward to reading the remainder of the House's consideration.