Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will address the high levels of fuel and energy poverty in society here; his views on a St. Vincent de Paul survey that found that 79% of lone parents, 78% of elderly and 81% of local authority tenants struggled to pay for energy and heating costs in their homes; his views on a formal mechanism to review utility prices on an ongoing basis in the context of fluctuating prices on global oil and gas markets and the harsh impact of utility prices on low income families and senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28955/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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As stated in the White Paper on Energy Policy, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007 – 2016 sets the overall policy framework for tackling poverty and social inclusion up to 2016 and includes measures targeted at fuel poverty. Coordination of the implementation of this Action Plan is primarily a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Within that overall framework the relevant Departments and Agencies as well as energy suppliers will continue to work together to systematically address energy efficiency and affordability challenges through existing schemes and new measures as required. One of the schemes presently in operation and funded by my Department is the Warmer Homes Scheme, which provides insulation and other energy efficiency improvements at little or no cost to low income homes across Ireland. With regard to the St Vincent de Paul survey referred to by the Deputy, while I note its findings, and I would refer to the Greener Homes Scheme mentioned above, I have no function in regard to income and other supports for social welfare recipients to address fuel poverty.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of electricity and gas tariffs and regulation includes a formal review process. As Minister I have no function in setting, regulating or reviewing these tariffs. As the Deputy will appreciate, neither do I have any function in regard to the regulation of international oil and gas prices. The price of oil and gas is set by the international commodity markets. Prices reflect a complex interaction of unanticipated strong demand, tight capacities, geopolitical uncertainties and the influence of speculators on the markets. The relative performance of the US dollar against the euro also impacts on oil prices and supply into the oil market continues to be influenced by OPEC policies.