Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the average price of petrol and diesel in June 2004 and in June 2008; the percentage difference between the price in 2004 and 2008; the proposed percentage increases in ESB and gas prices planned for 2008/2009; the action he has taken in the past year to ensure that the most vulnerable people will be protected as much as possible by these increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28032/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry into the market. I have no function in regard to oil prices.

My Department has been advised that the average price of petrol in Ireland in June 2004 was 93.8 cent per litre and in June 2008 was 129.8 cent per litre. This represents an increase of just under 39%. The average price of diesel in Ireland in June 2004 was 85.3 cent per litre and was 139.9 cent per litre in June 2008. This represents an increase of 64%.

The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act. I have no function in setting these tariffs. The CER has publicly indicated that the increases in international fuel prices are expected to have a consequential impact on electricity and gas tariffs in the autumn.

The Government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable from the impact of energy costs through a combination of institutional supports and investment in improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock.

My Department is setting up a new working group with the Departments of Finance, Social and Family Affairs and Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the CER, Sustainable Energy Ireland and key energy suppliers, to ensure a fully cohesive approach to addressing the energy efficiency and affordability challenges for vulnerable people.

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs provides a range of supplements and allowances, including the Electricity/Gas Allowance and the National Fuel Allowance, to assist those most in need with their heating costs. The Department of Social and Family Affairs estimate that expenditure on these packages will be in the region of €330 million in 2008.

The CER also has a role in protecting vulnerable customers in the energy markets. Under the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005 the CER was tasked with ensuring that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers, including measures to help customers avoid disconnection. The CER has set out guidelines for the protection of household electricity and natural gas customers, particularly the elderly, customers relying on life support equipment and those with disabilities.

One of the root causes of fuel poverty is the legacy of older housing with poor energy efficiency standards. I have increased the allocation for this year to the Low Income Housing Programme administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to €5 million. The Programme's primary focus is the Warmer Homes Scheme which provides energy efficiency equipment including insulation and energy efficiency advice at little or no cost to eligible households. The increased allocation will enable SEI to fund insulation upgrades for an additional 2,000 vulnerable homes in 2008 bringing the total to 5,000 homes this year.

I also launched the pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme last April. This pilot scheme is incentivising improvements in energy efficiency by householders with a particular focus on older housing. This Scheme has the potential to significantly improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock. SEI has estimated that households upgrading their energy efficiency with the support of this scheme can expect to save in the region of €500 every year on their heating bills.

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme was introduced last November by my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Scheme provides targeted support of up to 100% of cost to improve conditions in the houses of older people. The Scheme provides grants for a wide range of structural repair and improvements including rewiring, water, sanitary services, heating, windows, as well as central heating and insulation.

The Central Heating Scheme has been allocated some €26 million in 2008 by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The scheme provides funding to housing authorities to upgrade their rented homes including attic insulation to Building Regulations standards and draught proofing to windows and doors. It is estimated that an additional 5,000 Local Authority households will benefit from improved conditions and lower energy bills this year as a result of this year's investment.