The Labour Party has pledged its commitment to tackling fuel poverty in Ireland.

Dublin North Central TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáinhas welcomed recent initiatives launched by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabitte.

Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: "The Affordable Energy Strategy to deal with fuel poverty is a comprehensive programme to address the pressing needs of the most vulnerable citizens to make their homes more energy efficient and to provide them with a more comfortable living environment. In addition, those homeowners who bought their houses before 2002 will be able to avail of facilities to insulate their homes and bring them up to better energy regulations. This is a very positive initiative which will aid those who were unfortunate enough to acquire homes which were not subject to stricter regulatory guidelines."

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Approximately 60,000 homes across the country will make energy improvements which will cost around €100 million.

Deputy Ó Ríordáin concluded: "I believe these are fair and progressive steps which the coalition parties have taken. Furthermore, I am positive that they will lead to better and smarter energy efficiencies in homes across this country whilst protecting those most at risk of fuel poverty."

(CD)