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Don't leave the poor out in the cold

Issued : Thursday 3 December, 2009

Liz McManus TD, Labour Spokesperson on Energy has called on the Govt to urgently address the extent of fuel poverty following an update report from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland.

"Clearly, the government is going to introduce a carbon tax in its Budget next Wednesday: it is vital that it contains measures to combat fuel poverty.

"Today's update report from the Institute of Public Health is a timely reminder of the extent of fuel poverty in the country. As the cold weather grips the country it is a sad reality that there are thousands of people that will not be able to afford to keep their homes warm. Agencies such as St Vincent de Paul are already experiencing an unprecedented level of calls from people asking for help to pay their utility bills. Age Action Ireland have spoken of elderly people forced to choose between food or fuel.

"Ireland has one of the highest rates of winter mortality in the EU, yet the government still has no coherent strategy to tackle fuel poverty. Today's report quoted the most recent figure for fuel poverty for Ireland, using an EU measure, for 2007 which showed 10% of the population suffering from an inability to heat their homes adequately.

"As Budget day approaches, I urge the government to ensure that in the event of the introduction of a carbon tax that there is a real commitment to protecting those who are already struggling to pay their fuel bills."