The Taoiseach has hinted that the energy credits currently in place for struggling businesses will be retained after February.
Under the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, businesses can claim back 40 per cent of their expenditure.
It is only applicable where energy costs have risen by 50 per cent or more during the cost of living crisis.
Leo Varadkar says the matter will be given serious consideration in the coming weeks:
"If we do nothing at the end of February, the energy credits run out. The TBESSP for business ends. The VAT goes up on hospitality, electricity and gas; and excise goes up on petrol and diesel. I don't think that's a credible proposition at the end of February. I don't think that they would be under control by the end of February".
