Climate change, air quality, environmental matters are at the top of the agenda for debate, particularly the proposal for a national smoky fuel ban, which is a live issue and rightly so. Approximately 28% of the population of the country experience fuel poverty and they need to be adequately protected. I suggest on this day of recess that the Minister consider substantially increasing the fuel allowance in the next budget. I also suggest that the VAT differential between the 8% on coal in the South versus the 5% in Northern Ireland would make substantial savings, particularly if the Government is contemplating introducing a carbon tax, which would cause further problems.

The Deputy should watch the clock.

There would be substantial savings, which could be made available to address fuel poverty.

We have got the point.

This is a budgetary issue and the decision will be made at budget time.