Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the issues raised in a recent policy paper entitled All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health published by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2719/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are a number of initiatives currently undertaken that aim to tackle fuel poverty. Sustainable Energy Ireland, together with a number of government departments and agencies, is involved in a research project investigating the impacts of undertaking energy efficiency improvements in low-income households. This research involves 600 homes in Cork and Donegal. The householders will be interviewed prior to intervention to assess their current energy and health status and then again following the insulation measures to assess what, if any, improvement has resulted.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has also undertaken initiatives to address fuel poverty. The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which was introduced in November 2007, and is administered by the local authorities, provides targeted support to assist older people in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements. The provision of central heating and associated insulation works may be considered for grant aid under the scheme.

In addition, older people will benefit from the central heating programme introduced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2004. This programme assists local authorities in providing central heating facilities and associated insulation works in their rented dwellings.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs has undertaken to provide fuel allowance through the National Fuel Scheme. The National Fuel Scheme is intended to help households that depend on long-term social welfare of Health Service Executive payments and are unable to pay for their own heating needs.

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 relating to fuel poverty. Within that overall framework the relevant Departments and Agencies as well as energy suppliers will continue to work together to systematically address fuel poverty challenges.