Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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19. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the Energy Poverty Action Plan will be published; the reason it was not published when it was due in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26234/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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On 13 December 2022, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan. The Plan is available on gov.ie and sets out the range of near and longer-term measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes.

A report outlining progress under the various actions in the Energy Poverty Action Plan was published in May 2024 and is available on gov.ie.

The Government has made a number of important commitments to address the continued high cost of energy, while accelerating the decarbonisation of Ireland's energy system. The Programme for Government acknowledges the pressures on households and businesses caused by high energy costs. The Government recently approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months to October 2025 at an estimated cost of €85 million.