Northern Ireland Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald met UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Martin McCluskey on Saturday evening, 14 March. The discussion focused on support for households facing sharp energy cost increases.

Archibald stated that households need meaningful and targeted assistance delivered without delay. She noted that people are struggling with sudden energy price rises, particularly home heating oil.

Households reliant on home heating oil and those on lower incomes face the greatest impact. Archibald stressed the need for joint efforts between the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to establish quick delivery mechanisms.

The minister called for ongoing review of measures to increase transparency in energy pricing, especially for oil-dependent homes. She plans to keep pushing for coordinated action to provide practical support across Northern Ireland.