Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
114. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is considering further support payments to households in order to assist in meeting increased fuel costs. [60322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the increase in global energy prices is having on households. That is why through 2022 Government introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account, including Pay As You Go accounts, in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023, and March/April 2023. This Scheme uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account are made without means testing. The estimated cost of this measure is €1.211 billion. Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including:· €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients, bringing the total Fuel Allowance payment over winter 2022/3 to €1324· €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase· €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment· double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children· €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November· €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability paymentUnder its legal mandate, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for implementing customer protection measures for electricity and gas customers. The CRU has required suppliers to operate strengthened protection measures this winter will provide, which include extended moratoriums on disconnections, extended repayment periods for customers in debt and reduced debt burdens on Pay-as-You-Go customers.The new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which is currently being finalised, will set out the range of measures being implemented this winter, as well as longer-term measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected. The development and implementation of the new Action Plan is being overseen by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department.
The impact of this package of income support, social protection and consumer protection measures, now being implemented, will be closely monitored to inform ongoing policy action to support people to meet their energy costs.
