Urgent clearance for fuel poverty package now needed – Ritchie 02 October 2008
Margaret Ritchie the Minister for Social Development has indicated her intention to push ahead with her recommendations for tackling Fuel Poverty this winter.
The Minister said; “ Two and a half weeks ago I circulated a draft paper to Executive colleagues. I have had some responses and meetings with individual ministers but I was really hoping that we could agree an overall executive position on Fuel Poverty.
“In light of the executive not meeting, I am forced now to bring forward my Fuel Poverty recommendations under Urgent Procedure.
“The package of proposals I have brought forward has implications for several Ministers and Departments – particularly OFMDFM, Department of Finance and Personnel, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. We need to approach the Treasury as an Executive and we need to press the energy companies for a contribution – as an Executive.
“To make a difference this winter, the actual work needs to start now. My Department needs to get agreement on the breadth of the scheme and start to put the logistics in place. I am not going to get involved in assigning blame for the Executive deadlock – it simply needs to meet. In the meantime I am seeking to address the Fuel Poverty issue using Urgent Procedure.”
Notes to Editors:
For media enquiries contact Paddy Murphy DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9497 or out of office hours the Duty EIS Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440.
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