Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 485: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the fuel poverty strategy in view of the programme for Government 2007 commitment to publish a fuel poverty strategy by the end of 2009, in keeping with the introduction of a carbon levy; if it is currently being looked at; the action that is being taken on the relief for low income families currently being charged the carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31565/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio and has convened an Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area.

A public consultation process on the proposed strategy was concluded in April this year, which sought the views of interested parties on all dimensions of energy affordability. The Strategy will set out actions under way and proposed further actions to protect vulnerable households with a view to ensuring that existing and future measures are targeted at households where the risk of energy poverty is greatest.

As part of its work, the Group was asked to make recommendations as to the precise package of measures, including in the area of income support that should be put in place to assist those at risk of fuel poverty. These recommendations will be considered as part of the overall strategy to deal with energy affordability which will include supports for low income households.