Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
175. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department will produce a targeted arrears reduction plan for households facing long-term energy debt, including supports for at-risk customers, actions to prevent the escalation of arrears, and the timeline for transitioning from universal energy credits to targeted supports. [68934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the options for assistance with meeting high energy and heating bills for individuals and families; if it is intended to provide supports given the difficulty for households in meeting these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68959/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 177 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. In Budget 2026, Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity until 31 December 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.
From January 2026, the Fuel Allowance payment will increase by €5 to €38 per week equating to an increase of more than 15%. This will provide an additional €140 to over 450,000 recipients during the annual fuel allowance season. This payment has also been expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment. In addition, people moving from the Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work from September 2026 will keep their Fuel Allowance for five years. 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.
It is important to note that under the Supplier Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection. In addition, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has put in place a range of other regulatory protections to support consumers.
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 work programme of the taskforce will examine how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty. The taskforce has developed an interim report, which set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. This report has been published on Gov.ie, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan in 2026.
