Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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554. To ask the Minister for Health to provide on update on the programme for Government commitment to ensure that older people who are at greater risk of fuel poverty and the respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution be prioritised in climate action and climate-mitigation plans, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There is compelling evidence that the drivers of fuel poverty (low income, poor energy efficiency and energy prices) are strongly linked to living at low temperatures, and that low temperatures are associated with a range of negative health outcomes.

Conversely, energy efficiency measures can support good physical and mental health primarily by creating healthy indoor living environments with healthy air temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and improved air quality. The potential benefits of energy efficiency measures include improved physical health such as reduced symptoms of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, rheumatism, arthritis and allergies, as well as fewer injuries. In cold climates, energy efficiency improvements can lower rates of excess winter mortality.

Recent evidence shows that chronic thermal discomfort and fuel poverty also have negative mental health impacts (anxiety, stress, and depression). Energy efficiency improvements targeting fuel poverty can therefore improve mental, as well as physical well-being.

In December 2022, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan which sets out the range of measures implemented to meet high energy costs, as well as key longer-term measures, to ensure that those least able to afford these increased energy costs are supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes.

My Department is represented on the cross-Departmental Steering Group, chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which is tasked with the implementation of this Action Plan. The Steering Group meets periodically to review progress towards the objectives outlined in the Energy Poverty Action Plan, including short and long-term actions to support people to meet the cost of energy.

As part of the work of the Steering Group, the inaugural Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum was held on 7 July 2023. The Forum seeks to improve and accelerate the implementation of the plan, by fostering dialogue and cooperation among NGOs, industry representatives, and public bodies. It provided a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, assess progress on objectives from across the action plan, and share new ideas to combat energy poverty. A report on the recommendations and outcomes of the Forum is available on .

Ultimately, the best way to combat energy poverty in the long-term will be by continuing to make investments to improve the energy efficiency of homes, boost renewable energy adoption, and deepen interconnection with Europe. Improving home energy efficiency and cutting our dependence on fossil fuels will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future.

As part of the work of the Steering Group, an Annual Report on actions completed during 2023 and a revised Energy Poverty Action Plan will be brought to Government and published during Q1 2024.