Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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121. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the frequency with which the energy security emergency group has met (details supplied); the frequency with which the subgroup on electricity and gas security of supply, which was referenced in the national energy security framework, has met; the location of the minutes of the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Energy Security Emergency Group (ESEG) was established in March 2022 to coordinate and oversee Ireland’s response to the current energy security challenges that have arisen as a result of the war in Ukraine.

The role of the ESEG is to:

- Coordinate, oversee and provide advice to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications on the development, implementation and updating of the National Energy Security Framework.

- Consider the most up to date national and international risk assessments, guidance, and expert advice, and consider any implications for the national response.

- Direct the development of a data infrastructure to enable evidence-based planning and policy decision. This includes examining the impact of the war in Ukraine on energy security, availability, and prices paid by the consumer, specifically households at risk of energy poverty, and business.

- Direct and oversee the development of an effective communications system, including the preparation of a communications strategy, and to

- Receive and consider assurances that the National and Sectoral plans are up-to-date and implemented, and that the structures, project management process, and level of resources and competence applied are appropriate.

Since its inaugural meeting on the 16 March, the ESEG has convened a total of nine times with a tenth meeting planned for 6 July.

The work of the ESEG is supported by seven subgroups in the following areas: 

1. Electricity and Gas Security of Supply, 

2. Oil Security of Supply,  

3. Data & Modelling,

4. Consumer, Vulnerable Households,  

5. Businesses,  

6. Policy Response, and

7. Communications.

The Electricity and Gas Security of Supply Subgroup is convened when necessary and has met three times since the formation of the ESEG. Electricity and gas issues arising from the ESEG are also managed through the following ways:

- Security of electricity supply programme, which meets several times per week, and is attended by Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Eirgrid and Department of Environment, Climate and Communications,

- The gas security of supply review that Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is currently undertaking.  

- Followed up directly by the responsible party

Currently the meeting minutes for both ESEG and the Electricity and Gas Security of Supply are not publicly available.