Tom Brabazon
Ceist:345. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions his Department is taking to reduce energy costs for households. [74648/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 January 2026
Ceisteanna (345, 373)
Pa Daly
Ceist:373. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to report on the new grants he is making available to people in energy arrears; when these grants will become available; the value of the award to be provided; the criteria upon which an application for a grant is assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 373 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. In January 2026, the Fuel Allowance payment increased by €5 to €38 per week, equating to an increase of more than 15%. Eligibility for the Fuel Allowance was also extended to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment.
Budget 2026 provided record funding of €558 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, an increase of €89 million on the Budget 2025 allocation to support delivery of the National Retrofit Plan. Research suggests retrofit measures can save a household up to €1,100 per year in terms of energy. 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.
My Department has 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, including consideration of supports for households struggling to meet their energy costs. The first report of the taskforce 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.