Tánaiste planning measures on affordable energy

The Tánaiste has urged officials to develop further measures to help households with ever-increasing energy costs, with the aim of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Simon Harris indicated on Saturday that the government is looking at multiple supports, including initiatives to encourage upgrades to home heating systems and to help people switch to efficient vehicles.

Harris said, “We have to do more to help people with energy costs in Ireland. I am now asking officials in my department to work on options as to what the Government can do further and to work with colleagues across Government, to permanently and sustainably make progress.

“So, I am asking officials to examine whether there are additional practical supports we can introduce to help people upgrade their home heating systems, including hybrid heat pumps or lower-emission fuels like Hydrotreated vegetable oil.”

The Tánaiste’s comments come as Sinn Féin continue to push for a budget with one of support, including cuts to the Universal Social Charge.

As the war continues in the Middle East, and the increasing uncertainty surrounding it, the cost of living will remain at the top of the government’s and citizens' minds.

This comes just following the fuel protests, and there are expected to be some further protests over the coming months aswell.