Taoiseach holds meeting to discuss energy security and price issues

By Michelle Devane, PA

Government members have met to discuss energy security, price and supply issues caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin held a two-hour meeting with Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath and senior officials from Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s office on Monday evening.

A spokeswoman said: “The Government is very conscious of the concern of households and businesses around increased energy costs.

“Over €2.4 billion has been provided to help people with the cost of living to date and the Government is continuing to assess how best to continue to help people over the coming months.”

It is understood the group will meet again to further discuss ways to reduce energy costs.

It comes as EU and German leaders pledged to reform Europe’s electricity market in a bid to reduce soaring costs.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the limitations of the continent’s electricity market were being exposed by rising prices.

Prices have soared since Russia invaded Ukraine more than six months ago.

Last week, SSE Airtricty became the latest energy company to hike its prices in Ireland.

From October 1st, customers will see their gas bills rise by 39 per cent and electricity bills by over 35 per cent.