Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the cost of energy, an issue that continues to weigh heavily on households and businesses throughout the country. While the worst of the crisis has passed, the reality is that energy prices remain stubbornly above pre-pandemic levels. I firmly believe responsibility now falls on us to take the next steps not only to protect people this winter but to reshape the system so energy in Ireland becomes predictably affordable for the long term. Yes, the Government acted decisively during the crisis, with €3.3 billion in energy credits, the VAT cut to 9% and hardship supports that kept families afloat but if we are serious about long-term affordability, the response must shift from crisis management to structural reform.

We must ensure general transparency in the price setting system. Price decisions may technically be commercial matters but when households continue to feel squeezed while wholesale prices fall, we need quicker and more honest path through. The programme for Government commits to an independent review of this and this review not only must happen but also has to be acted on. Consumers deserve clarity and not lag times, leaving them paying more than they should.

We must push forward aggressively on grid investment. The €3.5 billion earmarked for 2026 to 2030 is welcome but grid delays are driving up costs, slowing renewable projects and undermining energy security. This investment should be front-loaded where possible because every year of delay keeps Ireland dependent on volatile global energy markets.

We need to accelerate retrofitting at scale. I raised this with the Taoiseach earlier. The speed at which the SEAI is reviewing people's homes and then ultimately giving them grants is far too slow. I have many constituents in Galway East who are trying to retrofit their homes because it is the most effective way to reduce energy costs for their homes but they are being left on the long finger with the SEAI and they are not seeing any progress in their applications. Even getting a BER review takes months. This is something we should allow constituents to do themselves and we would fund it on approval.

We need to strengthen protections for vulnerable customers. The increased fuel allowance, expanded eligibility and a moratorium for vulnerable customers are positive steps but too many families just above the thresholds continue to struggle. We need more flexible criteria that reflect the real cost of living and not rigid income cut-offs that ignore mortgages, childcare and disability-related costs.

The new national energy affordability task force is an opportunity but only if we use it ambitiously. It must not be another report that sits on a shelf. The task force should deliver a clear actionable plan in 2026 to structurally lower energy prices, speed up renewable integration, reduce dependence on gas and ensure fairness for every household and business. Affordability must be the test of our energy policy; not headlines or targets but the ability of a family to heat their home without fear of the next bill. We have acted strongly during the crisis and now we must act strategically for the next decade. This is what the public expects and what we must deliver.

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