Written Answers Nos. 10-29
10. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps that can be taken to clarify the regulatory requirements for the Renard slipway project; the way in which the approval process can be streamlined for similar infrastructure developments to avoid unnecessary delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, TD, established the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce in May 2025 as a non-statutory Taskforce to support the delivery of infrastructure functions and to unblock barriers and accelerate infrastructure delivery.
The Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, published in December 2025, provides a comprehensive roadmap designed to speed up the delivery of essential infrastructure projects.
The Plan sets out 30 headline actions, grouped into 4 key pillars, namely Legal Reform, Regulatory and Simplification, Coordination and Delivery Reform, and Public Acceptance.
The second pillar, Regulatory simplification, requires regulatory bodies to introduce reforms to the way they fulfil their mandate by requiring the relevant agencies to reform processes applied to Critical Infrastructure within their remit.
The Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce has developed an Action plan which assigns actions to the various stakeholders. Action 11.6 requires that MARA must provide an update on regulatory simplification to Government every quarter, with a full report to be included in every Annual Report.
MARA’s Quarter 1 update outlines the following completed actions:
• Rationalisation of Maritime Usage Licence (MUL) Assessment documents.
• Operationalising the Maritime Area Viewer for digital maps across MARA directorates.
• Local Authority and Uisce Éireann as Fit & Proper for Maritime Area Consents.
• Roll of triage process for MULs (initial assessment phase).
Any queries in relation to the Renard application should be directed to MARA at oireachtas@mara.gov.ie.
11. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the actions taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland and other relevant agencies following the large-scale fish kill in the Blackwater in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46080/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra12. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the inter-agency protocols that are in place to respond to significant fish kill incidents; whether these protocols were followed in the case of the River Glyde incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra13. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement that has taken place with affected local communities, anglers, and environmental groups following the Blackwater fish kill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46082/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 12 and 13 together.
The Blackwater incident was the largest fish kill recorded in Ireland and caused great concern and distress within the local community and right across the country. Despite an extensive investigation no cause was found. My key objective following the incident was to ensure lessons were learned and an independent review of the State’s response to the incident was carried out by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).
While the JRC Report, published in February 2026, confirms that State agencies responded quickly and appropriately once the incident was reported, it also identified opportunities where coordination and communication could be improved and acknowledged a ‘detection gap’ exists, that is where a short-lived pollution event occurs and dissipates before it is detected, limiting the investigation and enforcement.
A range of recommendations were identified by the JRC including the development of an inter-agency protocol to improve coordination, information sharing and communication between relevant agencies. This protocol, which is close to finalisation, will ensure that the relevant expertise, resources and information are brought together quickly and will ensure consistency in how incidents are handled and communicated in the future.
The JRC report also included some longer-term recommendations, such as real-time monitoring infrastructure, which require careful planning, design and investment and further consideration on how best to progress these is underway by the relevant authorities.
As it as not yet been formally adopted, the Inter-Agency Protocol was not activated in the case of the River Glyde. However, the response to this incident reflected many of its operational elements through close inter-agency coordination and joint investigation.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has implemented a comprehensive work programme for the Blackwater for 2026. This includes enhanced stakeholder and inter-agency engagement, in-stream water quality monitoring and habitat and fish population surveys. A genetic study, which will include citizen science initiatives involving local anglers and angling groups, is also being completed to identify areas where targeted actions would be most beneficial. Additional seasonal fisheries staff have also been deployed to the area for the 2026 season.
14. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the cost of increasing the microgeneration tax exemption from €400 to €600; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra15. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether multiple tenants in a home can avail of the microgeneration tax exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46140/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
A tax exemption applies to income up to €400 per year received by domestic micro-generators from their suppliers by way of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). This means that for the vast majority of domestic renewable self-consumers, who will typically have an installation of below 6kW, there is no need to declare their income from the CEG.
Household uptake of micro-generation has been further supported by the Government decision to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels' since May 2023. It is also worth noting that maximising the consumption of self-generated renewable electricity will provide the most benefit to offset electricity costs, as well as shortening the payback period for the micro-generation investment.
Ultimately, decisions regarding income tax, including that applied to the Clean Export Guarantee are decided by the Oireachtas through the budgetary process.
16. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress of the Decarbonised Electricity System Study underway within the SEAI; the goals of the techno-economic study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Decarbonised Electricity System Study (DESS) was established to provide Government with an evidence-based pathway, or choice of robust alternative pathways, for decarbonising the Irish electricity system post-2030, in line with Government policy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Phase 1 of the study, comprising an expert elicitation study to verify the modelling assumptions of the carbon budget and a literature review of net-zero system studies to identify key features to be considered for future policy deliberations, has been completed and the results are available on the SEAI DESS webpage.
Phase 2 consists of a technology assessment of thirty technologies, across power generation, storage, and enabling/system coupling, and a techno-economic analysis of the electricity system and the economic and societal impacts of adopting identified pathways.
The SEAI published the draft results of the technology assessment for public consultation to gather stakeholder feedback on the evidence base which will underpin key DESS outputs. This public consultation closed on 23 February 2026. SEAI established a DESS stakeholder forum in 2025 to ensure stakeholders, inside and outside the power sector, had the opportunity to provide insight to the study. The next meeting of the stakeholder forum is scheduled for Monday, 22 June, to update members on the results of the technology assessment and brief on the techno-economics work package.
The techno-economic analysis, which is currently getting underway, will examine in detail the direct electricity system impacts, coupled energy sector impacts, and wider economic impacts of pursuing identified decarbonisation pathways.
SEAI are expected to submit the results of the DESS to my Department by the end of this year.
17. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the intention of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006, was to give primacy to invasive/non-native freshwater fish in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 to regulate the catching, retention and sale of applicable fish species. These bye-laws do not establish a priority or primacy for any fish species, including invasive or non-native species.
Inland Fisheries Ireland, in conjunction with my Department, is carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application. The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 are being examined as part of this extensive work programme.
18. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the appropriate assessment screening produced by his departmental officials for the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law (No. 1028) 2026 as required under the EU Habitats Directive, followed European best practice in ecological desktop studies; furthermore was the appropriate assessment screening reviewed by an independent chartered ecologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46185/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening of the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law No. 1028 of 2026 was undertaken by officials in accordance with the Appropriate Assessment Guidance document published by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).
There is no requirement in the Habitats Directive or in the NPWS Guidance to have an AA Screening independently reviewed by a chartered ecologist. In preparing the screening, Department officials consulted with the Research and Development Division in Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure that the screening was informed by appropriate scientific and ecological expertise.
19. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has received any independent legal advice since February 2019 regarding the legitimacy of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has not sought or received any independent legal advice regarding the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 or the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 since February 2019.
20. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the licensed commercial draft netting on Lough Ree for brown trout has been subject to annual appropriate assessment screenings since 2006 under the framework of the Shannon Fisheries Region (Close Season for Draft Netting of Trout on Lough Ree) Bye-Law No. 284 of 2006 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46189/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Shannon Fisheries Region (Close Season for Draft Netting of Trout on Lough Ree) Bye-Law No. 284 of 2006 introduced a closed season for draft netting on Lough Ree as a conservation measure for trout stocks.
Licensed commercial draft net activity operating on Lough Ree under this framework is currently subject to annual Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening. Inland Fisheries Ireland has advised that these operations have been subject to annual AA screenings since 2020.
21. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the Shannon Fisheries Region (Close Season for Draft Netting of Trout on Lough Ree) Bye-Law (No. 284) 2006 was never subject to a full appropriate assessment screening when drafted to ensure compliance with the requirements of Regulation 31 of the now repealed European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997) (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46190/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the time this bye-law was formulated by the legacy Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, environmental and conservation considerations were integrated directly into the biological reviews, policy drafting and public consultation processes.
This bye-law was introduced strictly to implement a High Court ruling regarding traditional commercial draft net licensing on Lough Ree. It acted as a restrictive mechanism, introducing conservation controls such as a 30 cm minimum size limit and weekend close seasons to protect local trout stocks.
As set out to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 9 June 2026, licensed commercial draft net activity operating on Lough Ree under this framework is subject to appropriate assessment screening before operations are authorised.
22. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason there have been repeated stockings of invasive/non-native rainbow trout into Lough Lene SAC, County Westmeath over a protracted period of time, considering that his Department officials never issued Section 14 authorisations under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 for the stocking of the species into the said waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46191/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo Section 14 authorisation was issued in respect of the activity referred to in the Question.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the statutory body with responsibility for the protection, management and conservation of the State’s inland fisheries and sea angling resource. IFI was established under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 and activities undertaken by IFI in the exercise of its statutory functions are carried out in accordance with the powers conferred on it by that Act.
Section 59(1) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 provides IFI with powers to implement fisheries management measures, including measures intended to alter or regulate the stock in a fishery of fish of one or more particular species. Stocking activities are undertaken by IFI pursuant to this statutory power.
23. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether Ireland has a current national strategy for the development of wave energy, if he will outline any targets for its deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland does not currently have a specific strategy for the development of wave energy, although as an emerging ORE (Offshore Renewable Energy) technology there are numerous other Government policies, including the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, that include actions relating to wave energy.
Wave energy devices are still at a relatively nascent stage of commercial development and have not yet been demonstrated at scale. There are various devices that are being tested across the world but none are at a stage where they can compete in terms of affordability with more established technologies like fixed offshore wind.
The focus for Government in the near-term is to deliver the Phase One and Phase Two fixed offshore wind projects which will provide increased energy security for Ireland and help us to achieve the ambitious targets that have been set for renewable energy deployment. While there is an acknowledgement that other technologies, including wave energy, floating offshore wind, and tidal energy, may need to form a part of our energy future, the near-term focus for these technologies is on Research, Development and Demonstration. My Department will continue to support work in this area, including through funding of research grants through the SEAI and Marine Institute.
There are a number of upcoming developments that will have implications for wave energy, including the National ORE DMAP which will provide sites for development of ORE around Ireland’s coasts and will consider innovative technologies such as wave energy. As well as this, my Department is currently conducting a review of the Future Framework and will consider what supports are required for emerging ORE technologies.
24. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the assessment that has been carried out of Ireland’s wave energy potential, particularly along the Atlantic coast; the way in which this is being incorporated into national energy planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA resource assessment for various ORE technologies was carried out as part of the draft Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II document which went for public consultation but was ultimately not adopted as Government policy. In this document, it was assessed that there was a potential of 23.8 GW of wave energy potential in Ireland’s maritime area. This figure represents a technical assessment of the total available resource rather than a likely scenario for technological deployment.
The SEAI’s ORE Technology Roadmap, published in 2024, assessed the technical aspects of deploying various ORE technologies and included a number of scenarios of wave energy deployment. It was seen that as wave energy is not yet at a commercially advanced level of development, it is likely to play a smaller part in Ireland’s energy mix compared to offshore wind in the medium-term, with a maximum of 4 GW of deployment by 2050 in the most optimistic scenario.
It is difficult to predict how quickly an emerging technology will advance in terms of technological and commercial readiness and, as such, Government cannot set specific targets for technologies such as wave energy until more robust demonstration and evidence-based data is available to inform policy. Through the SEAI and Marine Institute, my Department will continue to fund research of this technology and will consider how it can best be deployed to assist in Ireland’s green transition as more data emerges.
25. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment given that a loyal Electric Ireland customer received a €100 credit in 2023, followed by discounts of 28% in 2024, 18% in 2025, and 10% in 2026, if he is concerned that despite such discounts, the overall cost of electricity has continued to rise for the average household; and the steps being taken to address increasing energy costs. [46388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy affordability is a top priority for Government, as evidenced by the Programme for Government commitments in this regard and by the ongoing emphasis on key workstreams across my Department and in other Government Departments.
Retail prices are influenced by several factors including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked highest for electricity prices among European countries in the second half of 2025. However, when adjusted for purchasing power parity, Ireland has the fifth highest electricity prices and eighth highest gas prices (below the EU average for gas) among European countries.
The Government is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households and businesses by high energy costs. We are taking action to help households and businesses with these costs. That is why, on 12 April, the Government agreed a €500 million package of fuel supports. This was in addition to the initial €250 million in targeted supports announced in March, which was already among the largest (per capita) intervention of any EU Member State. These packages were announced following significant engagement with industry representatives.
The initiatives were also in addition to the range of measures in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs which included:
• an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity, saving households up to €100 per year;
• enhanced social protection payments, including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate to €38 per week and an expansion in the eligibility rules; and
• a record allocation of €640 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland retrofit schemes.
The Government is also making crucial investments in renewable energy, in our electricity grid and in energy efficiency. The conflict in the Middle East underlines, once again, why we must accelerate the deployment of renewables across all sectors, and continue to invest in our grid as well as in retrofitting of homes and businesses across the country.
A range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them. 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.
As Minister, I have engaged with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
Also as Minister, I have recently written to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.
A cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was established last June to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan that will be completed in Q3.
26. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the level of profit made by ESB in recent years; the portion returned to the State versus shareholders; and whether the Government can intervene to reduce profit levels in order to lower electricity costs for ordinary consumers. [46389/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraESB is a State owned body under the aegis of my Department. ESB reports on its financial performance in accordance with Section 7 of the Electricity (Supply) Acts 1927, (as amended) and the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
ESB reports its profit after tax figures in its publicly available financial accounts each year. The State holds a 97.7% share in ESB with the remaining 2.3% held by the Trustee of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP). ESB’s dividend policy aligns with the minimum 30% dividend target set by DPER in ‘Circular 07/2025 – Dividend policy applying to commercial State bodies’ issued March 2025.
The annual profit after tax figures for ESB over the last four years, along with the breakdown of profit and dividends (State versus ESOP) are as follows:
|
Financial Year |
Profit after Tax |
Total Dividend |
State Dividend |
ESOP |
|
2025 |
€636m |
€149m |
€145.6m |
€3.4m |
|
2024 |
€706m |
€189m |
€184.7m |
€4.3m |
|
2023 |
€868m |
€220m |
€214.9m |
€5.1m |
|
2022 |
€685m |
€259m |
€253m |
€6m |
ESB’s generation and supply businesses are required to operate separately as mandated under European Union energy unbundling directives and given effect in Ireland by competition law and the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, so increased profits from ESB’s generation business cannot be used to offset costs incurred by Electric Ireland. Group profits are invested in critical networks, renewable generation and other important energy infrastructure, as well as used to pay tax and dividends to the Government.
Additionally, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) sets price controls that dictate the revenue that ESB can recover from customers for managing the electricity grid. The CRU operates as an independent statutory body, is solely accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and makes its regulatory decisions independently.
27. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment given that approximately one in seven families are reported to be in electricity arrears, the measures being taken to support these households; and whether further interventions are planned to prevent disconnections and reduce energy poverty. [46390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing energy affordability and energy poverty is a priority for this Government. That is why, in June of last year, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) 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 informed key aspects of Budget 2026 including:
• a 15% or €5 per week increase to the Fuel Allowance, providing an additional €140 to recipients during the annual fuel allowance season;
• eligibility for the Fuel Allowance was also expanded to include those in receipt of the Working Family Payment;
• an extension of the reduced VAT rate of 9% which is applied to gas and electricity to 2030. This provides clarity and certainty to energy consumers and reduces energy bills for households by up to €100 per year; and
• the €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration was extended for a further three years to end-2028.
A range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers that engage with them.
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.
As Minister, I have engaged with the four biggest energy retailers to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
A record €640 million has also been provided to support the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrade schemes this year. This includes €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme which provides fully funded upgrades for households in energy poverty. The allocation means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat.
Since 2019, capital expenditure of over €1.8 billion has delivered more than 268,000 home energy upgrades, including over 36,300 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme to the end of May 2026.
A rooftop revolution is under way across Ireland. More than 112,000 homes have received solar PV grants since the scheme began. The SEAI had received over 15,000 applications for solar PV in 2026, to the end of April. This is a 72% increase on the total applications in 2025. Some 99% of new housing is A-rated.
The NEAT continues to work 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;
•targeted supports to address energy poverty and customer protections; and
•targeted supports for 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 also being supported by structured engagement with relevant external stakeholders.
28. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current impact of the public service obligation levy on electricity bills; his views on whether this represents an additional burden on consumers; and if he is satisfied that reductions in fuel costs are being passed on to customers rather than offset by increased ESB charges. [46391/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to me, as Minister. Deputies can contact the CRU directly using the oireachtas@cru.ie email.
The PSO is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity to enable Ireland to reach energy and climate targets. The PSO protects consumers by supporting investments in renewable energy at predictable prices and reducing reliance on importing fossil fuels. It helps shield consumers from international price volatility.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) has been instrumental in providing a supportive policy environment for Ireland’s growing renewables sector since 2020. The scheme aligns closely with the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce through the range of consumer protection measures included in the auction design, including the two-way nature of the contract. This means that when market price is above the agreed strike price, the generator must pay back the difference to the PSO which reduces the cost to consumers.
In this period of higher wholesale electricity market prices, the projects contracted under RESS will be returning more savings for consumers through the PSO.
The PSO is set annually by the CRU and applies to all electricity customers and can be a charge or a credit depending on wholesale prices. For 2025/26 the CRU has set the monthly PSO charge at €1.46 for domestic customers. As part of the 2025/26 decision, it is estimated that €11.1m will be returned to Irish electricity consumers by operational RESS projects. In contrast, the PSO was negative in 2022/23, resulting in payments to customers, and set to zero for 2023/24.
The PSO for 2026/27 is likely to be very low or may be set to zero. This is subject to confirmation from CRU in the Final PSO Decision Paper which will be published at the end of July.
Any consideration of changes to the PSO would need to deliver reductions in electricity bills for households and businesses and ensure that there continues to be a stable investment framework so that Ireland benefits in the long term of its indigenous renewable resources.
The Government recognises and understands the real financial pressures that many across the country are facing because of the global rise in fuel and energy costs. The Government is taking action to help households and businesses with the cost of fuel and energy, introducing an additional package of measures that include measures on fuel costs and to support the transport, farming and fisheries sectors.
This €750 million package was announced following significant recent engagement with industry representatives.
The practical measures introduced by Government on 12 April include:
• a reduction in excise on diesel to 32c, and on petrol to 27c (incl. VAT).
• a reduction in excise on marked gas oil (green diesel) by a further 2.4c to 7.4c (incl. VAT).
• a deferral of the planned increase in carbon tax — scheduled for 1 May — until the Budget.
• the reductions in excise include the NORA levy reduction (announced in March), and will take effect from midnight on 14 April and run until 31 July 2026.
It is important to note that price setting is a commercial and operational matter for each energy supplier. Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging.
I have engaged with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
I have also recently written to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.
Last June, Government established the NEAT, a cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce, to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. 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. The Taskforce is now working to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be published in Q3 this year.
29. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence for an update on her Department's plans for establishing an allowance for members of the Reserve Defence Forces. [46113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the value of the Reserve Defence Force as an asset to the country. I am delighted to see that the last few years we have witnessed a resurgence in the Reserve.
I welcome the introduction of Supplemental Military Service (SMS) for the Reserve Defence Force, which will regularise RDF activities to support the Permanent Defence Force. The introduction of SMS for members of the RDF updates a previous administrative system to ensure consistency with the provisions of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021. Membership of the RDF is voluntary and members of the RDF are in part time service of the State.
Supplemental Military Service includes such military service both within or outside the State and is remunerated. Members of the RDF deployed on Supplemental Military Service are entitled to the benefits of the Working Time Directive as well as appropriate allowances and subsistence.
The RDF budget continues to increase in pace with the enhanced role of the RDF and provides for paid training and support duties (SMS), miscellaneous allowances and the payment of gratuities to members of the First Line Reserve.
To illustrate this, a budget of €3.5m was allocated in 2025, a substantial increase over the 2024 budget, and the final 2025 expenditure amounted to €3.542m. The budget has been further increased in 2026 to €4.535m.
I wish to assure the Deputy of my continuing support for the regeneration of all aspects of the RDF, as is emphasised by significant increases to the RDF budget. One of my key goals as Minister for Defence, is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas.
