Energy-saving measures
Deputy Bruton asked whether work was continuing on practical energy-saving measures such as smart meters, EV infrastructure and heat controls. The Taoiseach said it was and defended the need for ongoing energy-efficiency efforts.
Is work continuing on the introduction of measures to help families make energy savings? I have listed these measures before. I refer to activating 750,000 smart meters, rolling out electric vehicle infrastructure, of which the local authorities have installed none, installing heat controls in the 1.5 million homes the retrofitting wave will not reach and extending obligations on switching to the utility companies ripping off many older and less tech-savvy consumers. These are measures that are available. Is work continuing on them? It would be very useful to see them introduced urgently.
Comment on this
Yes, work is continuing on those measures. Any time the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications indicates energy-saving initiatives, there seems to be a chorus of negativity around them. We need ongoing energy efficiency and this needs to be consistently worked on throughout society.