Debate contribution: SSE Airtricity: Gas Tariff Increase

Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on 8 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Gordon Lyons
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 8 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: SSE Airtricity: Gas Tariff Increase
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5674101

Text

Absolutely. That is something that we need to tackle and work together on. I am looking for support from Executive colleagues to make sure that we can put the fund in place and start spending the money and making a difference. The £100 home heating oil scheme will open tomorrow, but I want more strategic interventions and to make sure that we put money into projects that give benefits not just for this year but the next and the next. That is what the warm healthy homes fund can do. I am disappointed that the Finance Minister has not seen the benefit of that, as he did not even mention it in the draft Budget. I hope, however, that he will change his mind. I know that the Chair of the Communities Committee will assist me in that, because he recently said that:
"The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, must outline what is being done to ensure this financial support is delivered as soon as possible, and when it will be available. Sinn Féin ministers will continue working to get people the help they need, and we need to know if others are doing the same."
I encourage the Finance Minister to listen to his colleague Mr Gildernew and ensure that I get the support and money that I need to make a long-term difference in people's lives.

227 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification