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

The way we do that is by assisting businesses to get professional expertise in this area. Long before the current energy crisis, we provided about 20 different schemes through my Department and its agencies, and through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, not just to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and invest in modern energy systems but also to enable them to carry out an energy audit. I have met many businesses that have availed of those vouchers that have had the audit done. Even though they are progressive businesses that have done a lot to reduce their energy costs, they often find out things they had not considered. That is a programme put in place by the Government. It is not about us hectoring them and telling them that they need to reduce their energy costs. It is about us providing them with vouchers, support, and professional advice that shows them how they can reduce their energy costs, which is more relevant now more than ever.

See this speech in context