Andrew Doyle
Question:114 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has plans to develop a national fuel poverty strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1775/10]
View answerTuesday, 19 January 2010
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The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, which has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio, has convened an inter-departmental/agency group on affordable energy, to coordinate government policy in this area. The group comprises officials of the departments of the Taoiseach, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Health and Children, Social and Family Affairs, the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and the ESB and Bord Gáis. Officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, that has responsibility for the fuel allowance and household benefits schemes, participate in the group and it is co-chaired by the Social Inclusion Division of the Department.
The objective of the group's work is to ensure shared understanding of the challenges and actions underway and to ensure a fully cohesive strategic approach to the delivery of affordable energy initiatives and programmes.
The group has been asked to develop an affordable energy strategy encompassing the policies and initiatives required to improve energy affordability in Ireland. As part of its terms of reference the group will seek to identify an appropriate methodology for the measurement and reporting of energy poverty in Ireland and to assess the extent of energy poverty in Ireland. The group will commence its deliberations shortly with a view to finalising the strategy following a period of consultation.