The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Pat Rabbitte TD, has published Warmer Homes: A Strategy for Affordable Energy in Ireland which sets out a vision for improving the affordability of energy for low-income households.

Minister Rabbitte said: "While the Government faces difficult economic decisions in the coming weeks, we can't forget those most in need – particularly as we face into another winter. We need a strategy that prioritises what can be done to protect low-income households."

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The strategy was developed by the inter-Departmental Group on Affordable Energy and includes 47 actions that will be implemented over the life of the strategy.

Key highlights include:

• the introduction of minimum thermal efficiency standards for all properties offered for rent
• reviewing the National Fuel and Household Benefits Schemes so see how we can target cash supports effectively and prioritise colder homes
• Achieving economies and harnessing community effort by the introduction of an area-based approach to mitigating energy poverty.

(CD)