Government to Receive Energy Affordability Plan by September; New Business Loans, Valerie’s Law
The Government will receive an energy affordability plan by September, aiming to reduce costs for households and businesses. Separately, a €500 million loan scheme for SMEs and farms is proposed. Additionally, «Valerie’s Law» will seek to remove guardianship rights from parents who kill their spouses, enhancing child protection.
The Government is set to receive an energy affordability action plan by the end of September from the National Energy Affordability Taskforce. Minister for Energy Darragh O’Brien will update the Cabinet on this plan, which aims to lower energy costs for households and businesses amid the ongoing crisis. The plan will focus on four pillars: energy pricing, sustainable demand, energy poverty and customer protections, and business affordability. This follows €750 million in government support, including excise duty cuts and an extended fuel allowance.
Separately, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon will seek Cabinet approval for a proposed €500 million low-cost loan scheme for small and medium businesses and farm enterprises. This scheme, an extension of the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, will be underpinned by European Investment Bank funding. Loans ranging from €25,000 to €3 million will be available, with no security required up to €500,000, and are expected to launch next month, running until 2029.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan will seek approval for «Valerie’s Law», legislation allowing for the withdrawal of guardianship rights from a parent who has killed their spouse. Named after Valerie French (41), murdered in June 2019 by her husband James Kilroy, who retained guardianship over their three sons, the law enables Tusla to apply to a court within six months of a conviction to remove or restrict such rights. Valerie French’s brother, David French, welcomed the legislation as child protection.
Other Cabinet items include Minister for Culture and Sport Patrick O’Donovan briefing on a new €6 million pilot scheme for arts and cultural facilities and community groups, and planned appointments to the TG4 board. Ministers will also discuss a €500,000 golf match for players with disabilities from Europe and the US, to be held alongside the Ryder Cup in Co Limerick next year, with up to €300,000 from Government funding.