Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices, which is one of the most pressing. I can confirm that I have met with both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, which is assigned consumer protection functions under the Electricity Regulation Act, and energy suppliers since being appointed as Minister. On 26 September 2025, I met with the four biggest energy suppliers in Ireland, Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy, SSE Airtricity and Energia, at separate meetings. In addition to my interactions, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis. I intend to meet the other smaller energy providers like Yuno and others which have not increased their energy prices this year.

Following my engagement with them I have received confirmation that hardship funds for those struggling to meet their energy costs will be made available to households this winter. That was a direct request that I put to them. They acceded to that request and I am grateful for that. I stated in response to a previous question that direct measures by way of assistance, particularly to those who need it most, were brought forward in the budget. The energy companies need to play their part too. Arrears levels are too high. I am questioning some of those arrears, particularly on gas. I think there is an issue with some of the data there that needs to be worked through. It was a good meeting.

The CRU has also published enhanced customer protection measures for this winter. For the upcoming winter period, some of the key customer protection measures that will remain in place include a disconnection moratorium for reasons of non-payment, minimum timelines for debt repayment plans, discounted tariffs for financial hardship meter customers and a promotion by energy suppliers of the vulnerable customer register, which is critically important. I would encourage people who feel they are in that space to make sure they are on the vulnerable customer register. That is in addition to existing sources of support such as fuel allowance, the household benefits package and the additional needs payment scheme operated under the Department of Social Protection.

I will come back with further details in a supplementary.

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