Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I thank the Members of the House for their co-operation. Although this is an important Bill, it is not a controversial one. We had a reasonable debate on it on Second Stage. It is important that the measures outlined in the Bill are put in place. I do not think any great issue of dispute arose with regard to the merits of the legislation. I am glad we have been able to finalise it. There are some reasons that make it necessary for it to be completed at the earliest possible time. In the future, as we make progress with energy efficiency measures and evolve into a different system, we can have a general discussion in the House on the merits of any changes that would encourage more householders to improve the thermal efficiency of their homes.

I would like to respond to Senator Barrett's point about the efficient use of resources in the context of what Senator Daly said about fuel poverty. I am not an expert on the matter, but having examined it I do not doubt that an increase in energy efficiency would make a significant contribution to the alleviation of fuel poverty. The traditional fuel allowance support scheme is not the most efficient way to address fuel poverty. It is helpful and valuable. A great deal of it goes up the chimney. If homes were more thermal efficient, it would make a bigger contribution to fuel poverty, which is obviously an issue out there. It is scarcely a surprise, in the present economic circumstances, that the problem of fuel poverty is not improving.

The warmer homes scheme is the way to go. Those who have responded to surveys as part of the evaluation of the scheme will agree that it has made a world of difference. It is a far more economic use of resources than continuing to spend significant moneys on fuel allowance. Over the last ten years, we have spent €2 billion on fuel supports and approximately €80 million on thermal efficiency measures. When the expenditure of €2 billion is subjected to the test mentioned by Senator Barrett, it is hard to say to say we get value for the taxpayers' money in question, or that it addresses fuel poverty needs in the targeted way they need to be addressed.