Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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114. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the analysis his Department has undertaken into the effect the withdrawal of energy credits in budget 2026 will have on the rates of energy poverty and energy arrears in Irish households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60470/25]

Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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119. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his proposals to address Irish households paying amongst the highest electricity prices in Europe. [60491/25]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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141. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the National Energy Affordability Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60477/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 119 and 141 together.

The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward additional measures to help contain energy costs. According to Eurostat, in the first half of 2025, Ireland had the fifth highest domestic electricity prices among European countries and eighth highest household gas prices. When comparing across countries using the Purchasing Power Standard (PPS), which adjusts for national price levels, Ireland ranks as the twelfth most expensive for both electricity and gas.

My Department has established a Cross Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) 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 recently published its interim report which sets out the latest analysis of energy price trends, the impact of Government supports on household energy costs, and the range of supports currently available to households and businesses. It was developed during the Budget 2026 process and set out options for considerations to inform Budget negotiations.

The report is the first part of the NEAT work programme, and the taskforce will now work to develop a comprehensive Energy Affordability Action Plan, to be published in 2026, setting out reforms to enhance energy affordability in the years ahead to help ensure a fair, secure and affordable energy transition.

The formation of the taskforce and the development of the Energy Affordability Action Plan provides an opportunity to consider the broad range of factors which influence energy costs, and potential supports to those most vulnerable to high energy costs. It will include targeted measures to support households in energy poverty to meet the cost of energy, as well as structural reforms within the energy sector to lower costs for households and businesses. This plan will be informed by public consultation and stakeholder engagement, to be commenced in the coming weeks.