The National Energy Affordability Taskforce, established to address soaring electricity costs and mounting arrears, has convened just three times since its inception. This is despite its mandate requiring at least six meetings by now. The taskforce's sparse meeting schedule was revealed in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin's Pa Daly, who deemed it 'shocking'. This revelation comes as latest data indicates no reduction in the number of households in arrears on their electricity and gas bills, and a slight increase in the size of these arrears. Figures from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) for November show 303,465 domestic customers were behind on their electricity bills, and 173,845 were in arrears on their gas bills. Daly accused the taskforce of being a mere 'deflection tactic' by the government, a 'smokescreen' to make them appear proactive while lacking concrete plans to tackle Ireland's exorbitant energy costs. Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, defended the taskforce's efforts, citing the publication of its first report in November 2025, which analyzed energy cost trends and proposed options for the 2026 budget. He assured that the taskforce will develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan, including consultations and stakeholder engagement, to be published mid-2026. However, the taskforce's effectiveness is questioned due to its infrequent meetings, with records showing gatherings in June, July, and October of the previous year, and no subsequent meetings. The taskforce's terms of reference mandate monthly meetings until the October budget and bi-weekly meetings thereafter, with additional sessions as needed. Daly argues that solutions to energy affordability are well-known and have been proposed by his party, including the reintroduction of energy credits, enhanced regulatory powers to combat price gouging, and a mandate prioritizing energy affordability over supplier profits. He asserts that Ireland's high prices are not inevitable and that another underperforming discussion forum will not resolve the crisis.
