Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
332. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the work of the cross Government plan on energy affordability; the number of meetings that have taken place; if any KPIs or targets been identified and or achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21235/25]
View answerThe Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy while accelerating efforts to decarbonise Ireland's energy system. The Programme for Government acknowledges the pressures on households and businesses caused by high energy costs, and commits to bringing forward measures to help contain these costs. The Government recently approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months to October 2025, at an estimated cost of €85 million.
As Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy I wanted to establish a cross-Government Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability. This will include the development of short term measures in preparation for Budget 2026, in addition to more medium and longer-term actions.
The Taskforce will be chaired by my Department and its membership will include representatives of various Government Departments and crucial energy sector stakeholders. The work of the Taskforce will include the preparation and publication of an Energy Affordability Action Plan, and monitoring its implementation on an ongoing basis. The first meeting of the Taskforce will take place in the coming weeks.
