Mr. Dermot Nolan:

I would like comment on the figures first. What we have done over the past year or two is try to analyse - which has been difficult given the information provided - what proportion of these disconnections relate to vacant premises. The upper limit relating to vacant premises may be 25% of disconnections and approximately 35% are for gas. We are studying this further. I will not say we have got to the bottom of why the figure has increased but our sense is gas disconnections have increased because of the vacant premises issue.

The general issue of disconnections is a source of concern. We have continued with the modification mentioned by the Deputy, which ensures people do not have to pay the entire reconnection fee. By company, the disconnection rate has varied considerably. I do not wish to traduce a particular company.