Vol. 464 No. 4
107 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to change the free fuel scheme in view of the recent report by the heat and energy group which is being backed by the Combat Poverty Agency concerning the extent of fuel poverty in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8363/96]
The report Paying the Price — Fuel Poverty in Ireland, North and South has been compiled by Heat and Energy Action Tallaght following a conference organised by HEAT and Neighbourhood Energy Action (Northern Ireland) in April 1995. The conference and report was part-funded by the Combat Poverty Agency. The report is a compilation of speeches from speakers at the conference. In short the recommendations include: improved standards of insulation within building regulations; the continued payment of social welfare heating allowance to meet the high costs of living in cold homes, whilst a programme of heating system and insulation improvements takes place; within the context of fuel prices, a greater recognition of the energy efficiency needs of consumers, alongside price reductions and incentives for low-volume users.
In the report, HEAT has called for a more integrated approach by the various Government Departments and agencies involved in dealing with fuel poverty.
