Mr. John Mullins:

We have a certain experience of it in the industry. The committee will be aware that there are fuel allowances and exemptions in the energy sector. We are keen to find an answer to it in the context of the billing process. Will we be dealing with the Department of Social Protection in the context of allowances and individuals who qualify for a reduced payment? The issue of free allowances was commented on and it is one for a policy decision and legislation. I suggest poverty proofing is an issue for legislation, one on which we need political guidance.

In terms of what we can do, whatever solution is put forward we, as engineers, are confident that we are able to put something into a billing system that fundamentally will meet the requirements of the policy.