Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
113. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that he is taking to safeguard SMEs from the debilitating increases in energy prices which will force many to close their doors if supports are not put in place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised and competitive. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. In Europe, wholesale natural gas prices have risen and remained high since the second half of 2020. Gas prices are now unprecedently high, with UK wholesale gas prices recently reaching record levels.
This feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Energy security and prices were two of the issues raised by business representatives at the most recent meeting of the Enterprise Forum hosted by my Department last week, and which was attended remotely by An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar.
While the Government cannot resolve all the difficulties with energy supplies, we will do all we can to mitigate the impact on businesses and households. While the hope is that the crisis can be resolved within a matter of months, there is no guarantee this will be the case.
The Tánaiste said it was clear that the problems raised are broader than energy supplies alone, and that the Government are committed to engaging with the business sectors on how best to deal with these issues, and also how to maintain consumer confidence in the medium term. A further meeting of the Enterprise Forum will take place in the coming weeks.
Separately, the recently launched Climate Toolkit 4 Business is an important resource for SMEs and micro enterprises. With climate change, changing regulations, rising resource costs and changing customer expectations adopting an eco-friendlier approach is one way forward for business.
The Climate Toolkit 4 Business promotes an understanding of the enterprises current carbon footprint, assists enterprises in their journey to become more energy efficient and signposts the energy efficiency supports available to them. The Toolkit directs users to advice, grants and other resources available from the LEOs, EI, SEAI, Irish Water, EPA, IDA and others.
In March 2021, the Local Enterprise Office Green for Micro programme was launched on a pilot basis. The Local Enterprise Offices approved 269 Green for Micro projects in 2021, assisting Micro enterprises to prepare for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. This support is open to a broad range of micro enterprises, including retail, with fewer than ten employees.
My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan TD., Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, may be able to assist the Deputy further in relation to SEAI Business Grants.
