Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
187. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to publish an assessment of the consumer cost impact of introducing a 5% biofuel blend for home heating; and whether his Department will review excise and carbon tax treatment of renewable fuels to offset additional costs. [71517/25]
View answerTax policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister of Finance, and any queries the Deputy may have in relation to the treatment of excise and carbon tax should be addressed to the Department of Finance in the first instance.
As part of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) development and design process, my Department completed two phases of analysis which included a full impact assessment on the scheme structure, considering critical factors, including the availability of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, the likely economic and social impact of the obligation, and resulting costs to end consumers. Detail in relation to each phase of analysis, including the full assessment carried out on potential obligation rates, is now available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/
Introduction of the RHO is a key objective for me, with priority drafting of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025 now underway. Once finalised in early 2026, I intend to submit the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill, along with any further information in relation to obligation rates and consumer costs, for Government approval to publish.
