Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

104. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on concerns raised by a local business (details supplied) in respect of the worsening energy crisis that is debilitating businesses across the country; his plans to support businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44871/22]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

105. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on concerns raised by a local business (details supplied) in respect of the worsening energy crisis that is debilitating businesses across the country; his plans to support businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44876/22]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

106. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on concerns raised by a local business (details supplied) in respect of the worsening energy crisis that is debilitating businesses across the country; his plans to support businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44879/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 to 106, inclusive, together.

The increase in international wholesale gas prices has continued to be driven to unprecedentedly high levels by the volatility in the international gas market caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

As set out in the National Energy Security Framework (NESF), the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment is leading consultations with business and industry to understand the specific impacts on different business sectors in Ireland, and to hear their concerns and perspectives on the appropriate and most effective tools for policy action.

In addition, the nationwide Reduce Your Use campaign is a key part of the Government's wider approach under the NESF. The public information campaign gives practical advice on how people and businesses can save money by promoting and encouraging energy efficiency and will focus on how we can reduce heating and electricity usage in homes, workplaces and public sector buildings

Reviews of existing business energy efficiency and renewable heat support schemes, funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), have been carried out and are currently being considered. The aim of these reviews is to increase uptake of existing business supports to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.