Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
163. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what actions his Department will be taking to assist families to cope with the increased energy prices; if he is worried in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38735/23]
View answerGovernment is aware of the pressures on families caused by continued high energy costs, and has taken a range of measures to support families to stay warm and well. This included a €2.4 billion package of supports implemented during 2022, and a package of once-off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. This included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) was credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT). The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion brought the total amount paid to consumers to provide on-bill support with energy costs to €1.5 billion.
In February 2023, Government announced a further €470 million package of measures to help social protection recipients from April to July and an extension to the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills until the end of October.
The Government is working towards completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, monitoring the efficacy of existing supports, and exploring further measures to support consumers meet energy costs for the coming winter. Any further supports will be considered in the context of Budget 2024.
In the past weeks, price reductions have been announced by SSE Airtricity, Energia, Pinergy, and Electric Ireland who share approximately 75% of the retail electricity market and a further approximate 45% of the retail gas market in Ireland.
