Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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124. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to address the challenges that rural communities are facing in relation to increased costs with household energy and fuel. [10553/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Budget 2024 introduced a third Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, through which three payments of €150 (including VAT) are being made to over 2.2 million domestic electricity accounts between December 2023 and April 2024, at a cost of just over €1 billion. The Government also provided for a suite of once off Social Welfare financial supports to assist people with the Cost of Living, including a lump sum of €300 to all Fuel Allowance recipients in November 2023.

Since April 2022, the Reduce Your Use public information campaign has provided advice and guidance to Irish households in relation to managing energy costs and identifying available supports.

A key component of the campaign strategy is to ensure that Government is actively listening to people through nationally representative research; understanding and responding to their needs and concerns to determine the most useful advice, information and supports that can be provided.

Ultimately, the best way to combat energy poverty in the long-term will be by continuing to make investments to improve the energy efficiency of homes, boost renewable energy adoption, and deepen interconnection with Europe. Improving home energy efficiency and cutting our dependence on fossil fuels will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future.