Micheal Martin has vowed to ensure that those struggling with rising energy costs on a pay-as-you-go meter will not be disconnected this winter.
Adding to the positive update, Mr. Martin said he does not think Ireland will experience blackouts over the coming months - but said there is no guarantee.
Irish households are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of monthly bills and so officials introduced a number of measures to curb the impact.
READ MORE: Micheal Martin indicates he may run for Taoiseach again after next general election
This includes a €600 electricity credit for households separated over three installments due in the coming months.
The taoiseach was asked about what will happen to pay-as-you-go customers if they cannot afford to top up their accounts as the colder months approach.
Mr. Martin responded by reassuring the public that the Government is in talks with suppliers on the issue and insisted that anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they cannot afford heat and electricity, will be helped by the social welfare system.
Speaking to RTE, he said: “We don’t want people disconnected, particularly vulnerable people and people who will find difficulty in terms of raising their bills.”
He added: “Through our social welfare system, we will underpin and help people in terms of meeting their bills.
“In the middle of an energy crisis of this kind, we cannot have disconnections.”
Speaking about the possibility of blackouts, he added: “I would hope not, but we can never be certain in relation to that.
“And we are taking measures in terms of energy procurement and in terms of extending the timelines for various plants in the country.
“We should be OK this winter, but then one can never guarantee.
“Next winter will be challenging, and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to procure additional gas generation and the following year.
“That’s why we have to accelerate the planning and permitting system around wind energy. We simply have to do that, get more wind energy online.”
READ NEXT:
- Ryan Tubridy explains Vicky Phelan's absence on Late Late Show as health update shared
- 174 football fans killed in mass riot involving tear gas as league suspended
- Met Eireann's good news for all but two areas this weekend before grim change next week
- Full list of energy companies hiking bills this weekend as customers rush to submit meter readings
- Disabled mum describes nightmare as her Ryanair flight takes off as she watched from special assistance vehicle
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
