The Finance Minister says the Government will consider what more can be done to support people struggling with energy costs in the budget.
However, Michael McGrath says the State "can't do everything through taxpayers' money".
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has told an Oireachtas committee that one in four gas customers are behind on bills.
Minister McGrath says energy companies have a direct role in easing the pressure.
"We are of course going to consider what more we can do to help customers over the months ahead, particularly in the context of the budget.
"However, the Government and the state can't do everything through taxpayers' money, and that is why the companies have a direct role to play in relieving the pressure that we now many households are under."
