Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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149. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the development of the new Energy Poverty Action Plan; the timeline for the completion of the Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45793/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department published the review of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty on 3 August, alongside a public consultation. The Review showed strong delivery with many of the original actions exceeded. The public consultation closed on 5 September and the responses received are helping to inform the development of a new Action Plan to Combat Energy Poverty. Other sectoral engagement across Government is also being considered in the development of the new Action Plan.  

The Action Plan will set out a range of measures to be implemented ahead of the coming winter, as well as key longer-term measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected. It is intended that the new plan will be published shortly after the Budget.

A cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department is developing the new Action Plan. My Department is also engaging with relevant Departments, agencies and NGO's on a bilateral basis.

The Group will also work with the ESRI as  part of a research network to improve the measurement and monitoring of energy poverty in Ireland and provide insights that enhance policy design to protect vulnerable households.

The review and consultation are available on gov.ie at this link: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/4e1ac-energy-poverty-strategy-review/.