Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
47. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that are being taken at European level to ensure that energy prices are reduced by restoring gas supplies from Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53659/21]
View answerThe Extraordinary meeting of the EU Energy Council on 26 October 2021 was tasked by the European Council meeting of 21/22 October to take forward discussions on the increase in energy prices and to discuss possible mitigating measures at both national and EU level. Ministers welcomed the Commission’s ‘toolbox’, Tackling rising energy prices: a toolbox for action and support, published on 13 October, as a good basis for the discussions and generally supported the Commission’s analysis of the causes of the spike in energy prices. One measure in the toolbox is for the Commission to enhance its international energy outreach in order to ensure the transparency, liquidity and flexibility of international gas markets. Energy Ministers agreed to take stock of energy prices and progress made on the implementation of the measures contained in the Commission’s toolbox in early December. The Energy Council will prepare the ground for the December European Council meeting, where EU leaders will return to the issue of energy prices including an update from the Commission on progress on their engagement with international energy partners and the EU’s future international energy engagement strategy.
