Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I acknowledge the fact that energy prices are rising in Ireland. We are seeing an unprecedented increase in the cost of energy, not just in Ireland but also around the world. We see that in the increase in the cost of petrol, diesel, natural gas, electricity and home heating oil. That is really squeezing people. It is making bills very hard to pay and squeezing many households. It is affecting businesses as well, and those on the lowest incomes in particular. As the Deputy acknowledged, this increase is largely, if not entirely, being caused by factors beyond the control of those of us in this House or the Government. It is being driven by supply chain difficulties and a supply and demand mismatch linked to the pandemic. This has been exacerbated in the past few weeks because of Russia's war on Ukraine. The Government will do whatever it can to help people ease the burden. We cannot do everything, but we will do what we can.

So far, we have committed €1 billion to help people with the cost of fuel and energy. That includes the increase in the fuel allowance back in October. There was an additional increase of €125 for anyone in receipt of the fuel allowance, which people would have received in the past week. There was a reduction in excise on green diesel, diesel and petrol of 15 to 20 cent, which was done only last week. Over the course of the next few weeks, people will have €200 deducted from their electricity bill.

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