Motion defeated in the Dáil
The Dáil rejected a motion calling for a windfall tax on energy companies on 30 September 2026. A Government amendment rejecting the motion passed by 76 votes to 66, and the question on agreeing the motion as amended also carried by 76 votes to 66, according to the parliamentary result.
The motion was tabled by Social Democrats energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. RTÉ reported that the proposal sought to tax energy companies’ profits during a cost-of-living crisis; its defeat means the original motion will not become law.
Houses of the Oireachtas
RTÉ
- Energy windfall tax motion rejected by Dáil
The Social Democrats motion calling for a windfall tax on energy firms was defeated in a Dáil vote Fiachra Ó Cionnaith
Why the proposal was raised
The debate formed part of a wider argument about energy bills and the cost of living. RTÉ reported that the Social Democrats, Labour, Sinn Féin, the Green Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity had raised the possibility of a windfall tax in recent weeks and months, with parties arguing for energy firms to lower bills or pay additional taxes.