Traveller Community

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (196)

Gino Kenny

Question:

196. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that the €100 electricity credit scheme will be accessed by Traveller families living on halting sites who pay for their electricity through the local authorities; if families that are sharing accommodation due to overcrowding will also get access to this credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6082/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The aim of the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 is to establish a scheme for the making of a once off payment, in 2022, of an Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment of €100 to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. This scheme is in addition to the Government’s long-standing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers. Based on the number of domestic electricity accounts, ESBN will make payments to the individual electricity suppliers who will then make the €100 payments to each domestic electricity account holder that holds an account with them. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts and will include prepay customers.Where a member of the travelling community holds an account with an electricity supplier, they will receive the credit in the usual manner. In the event that Local Authorities hold the domestic electricity accounts, but traveller families living on halting sites pay their electricity through Local Authorities, this is a matter between the family and the Local Authority. Should families have a dispute with their Local Authority, they should bring that up with their Local Authority in the first instance. The Ombudsman can examine complaints relating to Local Authorities.The credit payment will be applied to the account, rather than an individual.