Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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132. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he is taking to avoid the spike in arrears that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities said was likely following the decision to withdraw energy credits this winter (details supplied). [50320/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to addressing high energy costs experienced by Irish consumers. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward measures to help contain these costs. Earlier this year, Government 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.

Further measures to support Irish consumers will be considered as part of the work programme of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce. The Taskforce's Terms of Reference commits it to identify, assess and implement policy options, as part of an Energy Affordability Action Plan, to enhance energy affordability while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The Taskforce is currently finalising an interim report, which will set out measures for consideration as part of Budget 2026.

The number of household customer in arrears on their electricity and gas bills remain high. I have written to the CRU, seeking their view on the situation and requesting greater analysis on the characteristics of households falling into arrears. Additionally, I have recently written to energy supply companies to gain an understanding of measures they might introduce to support households this winter, and I have scheduled meetings with suppliers for later this week to discuss these matters further.