Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
311. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the difference between taskforce on energy affordability, and the cross departmental group of energy poverty in the last Government; the new organisations, bodies or departments which are represented in the NEAT; the members of NEAT which were represented at the previous group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewables commitments, and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The First Report of the Taskforce, which included measures for consideration in Budget 2026, was published last November. The report is available on gov.ie.
Further analysis will now be carried out in order to inform the Energy Affordability Action Plan. 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 Energy Affordability Action Plan due for publication later this year.
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
• Gas Networks Ireland
Further bilateral engagements take place outside of this group. Many of these Departments and Agencies were represented in the Energy Poverty Steering Group. However, the Department of Taoiseach, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, ESB Networks, Eirgrid and Gas Networks Ireland did not sit on the Energy Poverty Steering Group.
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.
