311. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to reduce energy costs to households following the most recent round on price hikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42852/26]

324. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding increasing electricity costs; the steps his Department will take to address the impact of the price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42976/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 324 together.

Energy affordability is a top priority for Government, as evidenced by the Programme for Government commitments in this regard and by the ongoing emphasis on key workstreams across my Department and in other Government Departments.

Retail prices are influenced by several factors including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked highest for electricity prices among European countries in the second half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, Ireland has the fifth highest electricity prices and eighth highest gas prices (below the EU average for gas) among European countries.

The Government is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households and businesses by high energy costs. We are taking action to help households and businesses with these costs. That is why the Government agreed a €500 million package of fuel supports in April. This was in addition to the initial €250 million in targeted supports announced in March, which was already among the largest (per capita) intervention of any EU Member State. These packages were announced following significant engagement with industry representatives.

The initiatives were also in addition to the range of measures in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs which included:

• an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity, saving households up to €100 per year;

• enhanced social protection payments, including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate to €38 per week and an expansion in the eligibility rules; and

• a record allocation of €640 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland retrofit schemes.

The Government is also making crucial investments in renewable energy, in our electricity grid and in energy efficiency. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East underlines, once again, why we must accelerate the deployment of renewables across all sectors, and continue to invest in our grid as well as in retrofitting of homes and businesses across the country.

A range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them. It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.

As Minister, I have engaged with the four biggest energy retailers, including Electric Ireland, to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.

I have also recently written to the retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.

The cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), chaired by my Department, was established last June to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer-term measures (including targeted measures) to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs, and will be built around 4 key pillars:

•addressing the price of energy;

•sustainable demand and enhancing flexibility;

•addressing energy poverty and customer protections; and

•energy affordability for businesses.

The Action Plan will be completed in Q3 of this year.