Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
54. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the analysis that has been undertaken to ensure that care homes and nursing homes will have sufficient supplies of gas and heating oil this winter in the event of rationing being introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/22]
View answerThe operational response to a natural gas emergency (e.g., a shortage in gas supply) is set out in the National Gas Emergency Plan prepared by Gas Networks Ireland (in its role as National Gas Emergency Manager) and is approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. The plan sets out the roles and responsibilities, and procedures, in the event of an emergency. It includes measures to minimise the impact on electricity generation, and measures to ensure that supplies for protected customers (which includes domestic customers) and, in so far as it is possible, other customers that cannot switch their gas consumption to other energy sources, are protected in the event of an emergency. In case of a gas emergency, care homes and nursing homes are considered protected customers.
In terms of the supply of oil products, including oil used for home heating purposes, the supply outlook is positive, with no significant supply difficulties expected by Government or the oil companies. Notwithstanding this, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) currently holds approximately 85 days of oil stocks, including considerable quantities of home heating kerosene, which can be utilised in the event of any shortage of product arising in the markets
In the context of contingency planning to deal with any prolonged and severe oil emergency, work continues on operational planning for all scenarios. Included in such planning is the prioritisation of supplies of oil products to operators of the emergency and critical services, including for the provision of health care, which encompasses care and nursing homes.
