Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any allowance for utility bills can be made for those who are hosting refugees in their homes given the rising costs of energy bills and the pressure this is creating for many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6378/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households and throughout 2022 introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 has 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) is credited to each domestic electricity account 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. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
The payment is applied to domestic electricity accounts which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). This includes?accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN)?to ensure that payment can be made to those accounts automatically and without application or means testing.
The following may also be of assistance to the Deputy.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment is available where a person is providing accommodation to persons fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and who arrived in Ireland since March 2022 under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The monthly rate of payment is €800. It is available to persons who are hosting in their own home or providing accommodation in a vacant property.
It is paid in recognition of the contribution of those providing accommodation for someone who has arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The rate is not intended to cover additional costs incurred by hosts.
Further information on the scheme is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/cfd95-accommodation-recognition-payment/
