Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
141. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the cross-departmental and inter-agency Energy Poverty Steering Group; how many times it has met over the past year; the issues it addressed and the actions that followed from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34909/23]
View answer142. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the cross-departmental and inter-agency Energy Poverty Steering Group progress to address how the revenues earned from the temporary solidarity contribution and the cap on market revenues to address windfall gains in the energy sector will be distributed to provide relief from high energy prices; how many times it has met; how stakeholder voices have been included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34910/23]
View answer145. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum on 7 July 2023; the outcomes and any actions to be carried forward; and if there are plans to conduct another forum in the future. [34913/23]
View answer154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the evidence base for the policies the Government has put in place to address energy poverty. [34983/23]
View answer156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the work of the research network on energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34988/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 142, 145, 154 and 156 together.
On 13 December 2022 Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan. The Plan is available at www.gov.ie and sets out a range of measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes. The implementation of the Action Plan is being monitored by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department.
This group was established in August 2022, and has met 5 times.
As part of the work of the Steering Group, the inaugural Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum was held on 7 July 2023. The Forum seeks to improve and accelerate the implementation of the plan, by fostering dialogue and cooperation among NGOs, industry representatives, and public bodies. It provides a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, assess progress on objectives from across the action plan, and share new ideas to combat energy poverty.
A report is being prepared on the recommendations and outcomes of the Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum.
The Action Plan also pledges support for ESRI research to develop metrics to measure energy poverty and track changes in its severity and scope over time. This three-year research programme will assist Government to ensure future actions protect those most at risk.
In addition, my Department commissioned a nationally representative fortnightly research tracker, which is indicating that Irish families are making every effort to reduce their energy use and that there has been a reduction in the difficulty of meeting energy costs.
Ultimately, the best way to combat energy poverty in the long-term will be by continuing to make investments to improve the energy efficiency of homes, boost renewable energy adoption, and deepen interconnection with Europe. Improving home energy efficiency and cutting our dependence on fossil fuels will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future.
The proceeds from the Temporary Solidarity Contribution and the Cap on Market Revenues may be used to provide financial supports to households and companies heavily affected by soaring energy prices. It may also be used to help support investment in areas such as renewable energy.
The Government has not yet made a decision on how the proceeds from the Temporary Solidarity Contribution and the Cap on Market Revenues should be allocated.
