Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
112. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason he has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce without civil society representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48562/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason he has scrapped the energy poverty action plan and excluded civil society organisations from the National Energy Affordability Taskforce; if he will meet with civil society organisations in relation to the new energy affordability action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce. [48944/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commit to introducing a statutory energy poverty strategy that integrates energy efficiency, affordability and climate justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48997/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 125, 127 and 155 together.
In June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce as a cross governmental body 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 Taskforce's work programme will be supported by a process of ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders, including industry bodies, suppliers, social enterprises and other non-governmental organisations. A formal consultation and engagement process is planned in the coming months to ensure that Taskforce priorities are shaped by public and stakeholder input.
This consultation will inform the Energy Affordability Action Plan, which will include a broad review of cost drivers in the energy sector. Work carried out to date on energy poverty, including feedback from the consultation and stakeholder forum conducted in 2024, alongside new measures which arise from the consultation and engagement process outlined above and which support those most at risk of energy poverty will also feature in the plan.
Taskforce members are currently working to finalise the preparation of an interim report, which will set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
Taskforce membership is comprised of representatives from the following organisations:
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 (CRU)
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
ESB Networks
EirGrid
Gas Networks Ireland
