Fuel Protests: Statements Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-14 ============================================================ Niall Collins (FF), Limerick County I thank the Cathaoirleach. As Senators will be well aware, oil and gas prices have been volatile since the conflict began in the Middle East and the situation is dynamic. Furthermore, the issue of Ireland’s energy security has been at the forefront of this Government’s mind for quite some time. Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 was published in November 2023 and outlines a strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050. The report was published as part of an energy security package containing a range of supplementary analyses, consultations and reviews, which have informed the recommendations and actions related to energy security. On the current situation more specifically, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has been proactive in engaging with stakeholders around oil supply. The Department is proactively monitoring supply in line with the oil emergency response plan. This plan provides the basis of Ireland’s response and provides the Minister with substantial legal powers to secure and protect supply if necessary. The plan and underpinning legislation and structures have been substantially enhanced and updated following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, building on the strong foundations that were in place. As a result, Ireland is much better prepared to manage any emerging situation with respect to a fuel shortage arising from the conflict in Iran. In terms of fuel availability more generally for essential sectors, the Department is actively monitoring the situation and is liaising closely with national and international partners. It is important to note that the Department has convened the oil security of supply group, which meets weekly, and consists of relevant Departments and agencies, in addition to Fuels for Ireland and oil companies. Ireland’s fuel supply chains remain robust and reliable. Furthermore, the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, has operational responsibility for the day-to-day management of the State’s strategic oil reserve. NORA currently holds 90 days of oil stocks. Stock may be released from Ireland’s stockholding in the event of a shortage of refined product on the domestic market or, as recently happened, to participate in an International Energy Agency collective action to alleviate a global oil shortage. As Senators will be aware, the Government has agreed a new package of measures on fuel costs to support the transport, farming and fisheries sectors. The measures follow significant recent engagement with industry representatives and are in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure. These measures include: reducing excise on diesel by a further 10 cent, VAT inclusive, bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent, VAT inclusive; reducing the excise on petrol by a further 10 cent, VAT inclusive, bringing the total reduction on petrol to 27 cent; reducing the excise on marked gas oil, that is, green diesel, by a further 2.4 cent, VAT inclusive, bringing the total reduction on green diesel to 7.4 cent, VAT inclusive; extending the NORA levy reduction from 1 June to 31 July 2026; and deferring the planned increase in carbon tax, scheduled for 1 May until 14 October. This will provide further support to customers of marked gas oil, kerosene, natural gas, solid fuels and other non-propellant fuels. These measures come on foot of Ministers holding a series of constructive meetings with representative groups, which culminated in this further significant support package to address the ongoing crisis. Senators should note that there has not been any increase in relation to household electricity or gas since the conflict began. However, a range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them. The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, has engaged with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers in difficulty. In addition, the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the additional needs payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills. The current conflict highlights why Ireland must reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, accelerate the deployment of renewables and expand interconnection with trusted European partners. Since 2015, Ireland has more than doubled the share of electricity in the system coming from renewable sources, which was over 40% in 2025. This Government is prioritising the delivery of more renewable energy and the development of the electricity grid to build resilience and connect renewable energy with demand. A total of €3.5 billion in equity has been provided for Ireland’s onshore and offshore grid. I reiterate that this Government is aware people are concerned about both energy security and end-energy costs at this unprecedented time. As the geopolitical situation continues to evolve, we will remain focused on ensuring that Ireland’s energy security remains robust while endeavouring to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressures. --- Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted. Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-14/debate/main Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:48+00:00 Sitting date: 2026-04-14