Minister Rabbitte has opened the Energy Action poverty Conference in Dublin Castle on 6th-7th Feb 2012.

The event builds on the recent launch of the Affordable Energy Strategy and will provide a forum for those working in the area to share key information, experience and perspectives so as to identify effective solutions to the fuel poverty issue.

Minister Rabbitte said: "The last year has not been as easy one for any of us. We’ve all felt the pinch – from Government Departments to community-based organisations and charities – and most especially those who we serve, the people struggling to pay their bills."

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The Affordable Energy Strategy was published late last year and aims to target the mitigation of energy poverty amongst low-income households in Ireland and represents the delivery of one of the programme for government commitments. The Minister highlighted the efforts of the many charitable organisations working with those in energy poverty,

He continued: "I greatly value the work of the many community organisations represented here today, who reach out and make links with those who are often worst off and hardest to reach. The next few days promise to be crucial to the development and implementation of energy poverty policy."

(CD/GK)