Ivana Bacik
Ceist:288. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the National Energy Affordability Taskforce will report. [35338/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceisteanna (288)
Freagraí scríofa
The cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was formed last June to identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government.
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.
Last week I provided an update to Government on the work of the Taskforce, its expanded scope, governance structures, and key deliverables as it works to address the energy affordability challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The NEAT is working intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in Q3 of this year. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer-term measures to support households and businesses – to meet their energy costs, and will be built around 4 key pillars:
•addressing the price of energy;
•sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility;
•addressing energy poverty and customer protections; and
•energy affordability for businesses.
To facilitate this robust and coordinated cross-Government response, a number of NEAT subgroups have been established, bringing together officials from a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies.
A period of intensive engagement to refine options for consideration by the Taskforce is currently underway, with subgroups meeting on an ongoing basis.
This work is being supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders.