Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
287. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason civil society groups have been excluded from participation in the National Energy Affordability Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29234/26]
View answerThe cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was formed last June to identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability. Two meetings of the Taskforce have been held in recent weeks (19 March and 26 March). Arrangements are currently being made for the next meeting of the NEAT.
The first report of the Taskforce was published in November 2025. This report analysed recent trends in energy costs and related matters and set out a range of options for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
The Taskforce is now working to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be published in Q3 this year. This Plan will include a broad review of cost drivers in the energy sector and will identify a comprehensive range of solutions. It will further progress work that has been completed to date on energy poverty, including work from the Energy Poverty Steering Group. Specific engagement and measures to address those most at risk of energy poverty will also be a key feature of the Action Plan.
As Minister, I chair meetings of the Taskforce which consists of senior officials from several Government Departments and Agencies as follows:
• Department of the Taoiseach;
• Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment;
• Department of Finance;
• Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation;
• Department of Social Protection;
• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
• Commission for Regulation of Utilities;
• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland;
• Economic and Social Research Institute;
• ESB Networks;
• EirGrid; and
• Gas Networks Ireland.
A number of external bodies have been invited to address the Taskforce including the International Energy Agency, Electricity Association of Ireland, ESB and UCC. Further invitations to present to the NEAT will be issued to key stakeholders, including civil society groups.
The Taskforce's work programme will be supported by a process of ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that its priorities are shaped by public and stakeholder input. This will include civil society groups, industry bodies and non-governmental organisations among others. Engagement with key stakeholders, including civil society groups, will take place to support and inform the drafting of the Energy Affordability Action Plan and a call for evidence will be published shortly.
Additionally, engagement has taken place between the NEAT secretariat and a number of civil society groups including most recently the Just Transition Commission on 1 April. The NEAT secretariat will also meet with the Environmental Pillar and Community and Voluntary Pillar on 28 April.
