Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
292. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the help available to single people who work full time and live alone in their own home to deal with the spiralling cost of energy, and in particular gas. [12547/26]
View answer304. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the emergency measures being taken to address the absolutely outrageous increases in energy bills (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11926/26]
View answer308. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the targeted measures being prioritised to reduce energy hardship among low-income and vulnerable households; the timeframe for scaling these measures nationwide;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12042/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 304 and 308 together.
The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and commits to bringing forward measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty. Government has introduced a suite of measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy.
My Department has also established a cross-Government National 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. The First Report of the Taskforce, published in November 2025, set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. Many of these options were reflected in Budget decisions.
Examples of targeted budget measures aimed at improving energy affordability include:
• the Fuel Allowance was increased by €5 per week to €38, supporting over 450,000 households who most require Government assistance to meet their energy costs;
• to directly support working families, the Fuel Allowance was extended to recipients of the Working Family Payment. This will benefit over 43,000 families;
• a €10 increase in the weekly payments which supports pensioners, carers and people with disabilities;
• from September 2026, those who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will be able to retain the Fuel Allowance for 5 years; and
• record funding of €558 million is allocated for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the Solar PV Scheme). This allocation will support the highest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme which is targeted at households in energy poverty.
In addition, the VAT reduction (from 13.5% to 9%) on electricity and gas bills has been extended to the end of 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills. There are also a range of Commission for Regulation of Utilities customer protections in place, including a disconnection moratorium for vulnerable customers.
The work programme of the Taskforce will examine how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty, including consideration of supports for households struggling to meet their energy costs. The Taskforce is now preparing an engagement and consultation process to inform the development of an Energy Affordability Action Plan which is due to be published in Q3 2026.
