Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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214. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the work to date his Department has undertaken as part of the energy poverty steering group; the number of times this group has met since its establishment in August 2022; the actions to date from these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42491/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Energy Poverty Steering Group was established in August 2022 and has met 8 times formally as a group. The Steering Group has overseen implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan. An Annual Report outlining progress under the various actions in the Energy Poverty Action Plan was published in May 2024 and is available on gov.ie.

Headline achievements since December 2022 have included the implementation of the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Schemes II, III and IV through which 2.2 million households received €1,450 between November 2022 and February 2025 at an approximate total cost of €3.3 billion. Between 2019 and 2024, SEAI schemes provided €1.2 billion support to homeowners for almost 187,000 home energy upgrades, including 58,000 B2s and 25,000 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme. In 2025 the most recent data shows there were 2,400 free upgrades for energy poor homes under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, with a record €280 million allocated in 2025.

These measures, along with others in the Plan, have helped to ensure that despite the unprecedented rise in energy costs experienced arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, households in Ireland have been supported by Government to meet their energy costs, and that homes have been warmer and more comfortable.

To further support those at risk of energy poverty the National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established in May 2025 to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The Taskforce will incorporate the work of the Energy Poverty Steering Group and will publish an Energy Affordability Action Plan, which will make recommendations to enhance energy affordability.