PRESS RELEASE

30 June 2008

ETI 02/08

RISING ENERGY PRICES HITTING NI FAMILIES HARD

Rising prices will be highlighted in an Assembly debate today. The Committee for Enterprise , Trade and Investment has tabled a motion which calls for urgent action to combat the escalation of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

Mr Mark Durkan, Committee Chairperson said, “The soaring cost of energy is hitting families hard. The situation is fast becoming critical and it is imperative that the Executive addresses this immediately. We will be urging the Executive to challenge the UK Government to use the £10.5 million energy VAT windfall to help vulnerable households this winter.”

Deputy Chairperson, Jennifer McCann concluded, “Many families, and particularly those in disadvantaged communities, are struggling to find the money to pay for the essentials. The Committee is unanimous in calling for support for families and businesses in the face of potential hardship.”

The motion results from a period of consultation with groups throughout Northern Ireland. The Committee received a substantial amount of evidence from a number of the key stakeholders. The Committee is unanimous in calling for urgent action from the Executive to alleviate the financial pressure on homes and businesses.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITOR

The Motion is as follows:

Motion - Rising Energy Costs

- Proposed: That this Assembly notes with concern, that rising energy costs are hitting families in Northern Ireland harder than in the rest of the UK; and calls on the Executive to:

(i) give further priority to measures to promote energy efficiency and combat fuel poverty;

(ii) drive a coordinated energy policy to diversify our energy supplies, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase competition in our energy market and harness the full potential of renewable energy;

(iii) cooperate with other Governments, including through the British Irish Council, to develop a longer-term strategy for these islands, and;

(iv) urge the UK Government to re-direct the windfall VAT revenue from higher energy bills to be used to mitigate the escalation of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

The Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment comprises 11 members.
The Chairperson of the Committee is Mr Mark Durkan (SDLP).
The Deputy Chairperson of the Committee is Ms Jennifer McCann (Sinn Fein)

The Committee has a further nine members:
Mr Paul Butler (Sinn Fein)
Mr Leslie Cree (UUP)
Mr Simon Hamilton (UUP)
Mr Alasdair McDonnell (SDLP)
Mr Alan McFarland (UUP)
Mr Gerry McHugh (Independent)
Mr Sean Neeson ( Alliance)
Mr Robin Newton (DUP)
Mr David Simpson (DUP)

All enquiries regarding the work of the Committee should be directed to the Committee Clerk, Lucia Wilson, Room 424, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX ( 028 905 21230).

The Clerk to the Committee is:
Lucia Wilson
Clerk, Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Rm 424 , Parliament Buildings
Belfast BT4 3XX
Telephone: (028) 9052 1230

For further information, or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact:
Ms. Stephanie Mallon
Press Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings
Belfast BT4 3XX
Tel: 028 9052 1953
Mobile : 07825 146794
Website Address – archive.niassembly.gov.uk
Email – info.office@niassembly.gov.uk