7. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the way in which timelines on implementation will be managed so as to assist households and business in advance of winter 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44562/26]

Sentiment score: 0.17

I am seeking an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the implementation timelines; and what will be done to assist households and businesses in advance of the coming winter.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I acknowledge the work of the Government in assisting those in fuel poverty and under pressure, the extension of the fuel allowance season and the continuation of the reduction in VAT on electricity on gas. We saw during March and April significant increases in the price of home heating oil. Thankfully, that has now come back to a degree but it was certainly a shock to the budgets of many homeowners. While I acknowledge the medium and longer term role of retrofitting as well as the moneys being spent from the carbon tax on the fuel allowance and retrofitting and the investment by the Government and the work of the Department, how can we prepare for such a shock, if it were to happen again in the coming winter, in terms of home heating kerosine prices?

Sentiment score: -0.11

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I agree that the action plan needs to be flexible in relation to such shocks. I know this is not just an issue for his Department, and requires a whole-of-government response. During the winter period, demand for and usage of home heating oil will increase in Galway and Mayo. We will have colder nights and people will stay in for longer. I certainly hope that there is, in the action plan and in the Department, work taking place to engage with the Minister for Finance and other Ministers to ensure there will be a response should there be another home heating oil price shock. I acknowledge the medium and longer term view in relation to retrofitting, insulation and alternative sources, but we also have to look at the here and now for those under pressure.

Sentiment score: 0.16

I thank the Minister of State for the response. It is good to see the statistics from Irish Business Against Litter showing a reduction of can and bottle litter. It is certainly welcome. There have been some concerns raised about the accessibility of the machines to wheelchair users, where the unclaimed deposit money will go and how long it is in the system, as well as how the machines' screens are not photosensitive, meaning they are bright at night when they do not need to be and are therefore using excess energy. Perhaps these issues could be looked at.

Sentiment score: 0.44

It is important that unclaimed deposits be kept under review. Are there any regional differences in the uptake of the scheme? Is that something that could be examined, in particular whether particular parts of the country are lower? It is likely to be the case. There would be an average level and there would be some with higher rates of use and others with lower rates of use and return. We could engage with such communities to see what the issues, problems, stumbling blocks and impediments are to the uptake or what more could be done to improve the rates in those areas.

Sentiment score: -0.04