Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 359 together.

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.

My Department is represented on the cross-Departmental Energy Poverty Steering Group, chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which looks at avenues to support improvements to living conditions of people living with fuel poverty and with chronic respiratory issues. One initiative under this Steering Group, the Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme, tasked the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine with carrying out an independent review of the health impacts of energy efficiency upgrades.

Their findings captured a range of health benefits associated with such work, including:

• Warmer, more comfortable homes, with heating systems that are easier to control;

• Improved physical health including reduced pain;

• Improved mental health and wellbeing including reduced feelings of anxiety and depression;

• Reduced visits to GP and A&E and fewer incidences requiring hospitalisation;

• Reduced prescription drug usage for their respiratory conditions;

• Being more comfortable inviting other to their homes.

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.

The implementation of this Action Plan is driven by the Energy Poverty Steering Group, which meets periodically to review progress towards its objectives, including short and long-term actions to support people to meet the cost of energy.

An Annual Report outlining progress under the various actions in the Action Plan has been published on gov.ie Significant progress has been made against the actions set out, and price reductions have been announced by all suppliers for domestic customers in recent months.

The Steering Group also held an Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum in July 2023. The Forum sought 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 setting out the recommendations and outcomes of the Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum is available on gov.ie.

In addition, a public consultation held by the Energy Poverty Steering Group between March and May of this year provided stakeholders with an opportunity to make submissions to assist in the development of a revised Energy Poverty Action Plan and provide material in advance of Budget 2025 discussions.

The Steering Group will discuss proposed support measures and actions during the second Annual Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum on June 24^th . A revised Energy Poverty Action Plan will be essential to the continued provision of a coherent structured, whole of Government response to energy poverty. This is especially urgent given the continued high cost of energy for households.