Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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42. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered a comprehensive national education and awareness campaign related to energy conservation and efficiency aimed at both the residential and business sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46729/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In April this year the Government launched the Reduce Your Use energy efficiency campaign. The national media campaign is aimed at empowering people to reduce their energy use and encourage long-term sustainable behaviour, details of the campaign can be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/6ca43-reduce-your-use/.

The key campaign messaging highlights how increased wholesale gas prices, which are mainly caused by Russia reducing supplies to Europe and the war in Ukraine, are leading to unprecedented increases in electricity and gas prices for households and businesses, and how as a result, now more than ever, we need to be mindful of how we use energy in our daily lives.

The campaign also highlights the range of Government supports that are available for households and businesses to assist with rising energy costs, and encourages people to take actions in their own homes.

The initial phase has already been completed, with advertisements running in print, on radio and across social media for 13 weeks from April through the Summer period. A second phase will commence this autumn. Across October-to-April, the ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign will continue with a significantly increased national media footprint.

The public sector must lead on energy conservation, in that regard Government recently approved a suite of energy-efficiency measures across the public sector. All public sector bodies will, from this month, take a leading role in lowering their energy consumption and costs. Public sector organisations will be supported with energy awareness resources, including online seminars, live webinars and one-to-one online energy clinics. Energy efficiency advice within the campaign is provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It is practical and evidenced-based, detailing what actions can help to save the most money and energy.

The campaign is a key part of the Government's wider approach under the National Energy Security Framework (www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea9e4-national-energy-security-framework/).