Mr. Dermot Nolan:

I assure the Deputy that we are doing our best to keep prices low. I know these are difficult economic times and people are concerned about any price increases. We are trying to keep prices to the most possible minimum level. Energy companies make profits. However, the legislation is set up so that like any other commercial company, they are allowed to make reasonable profits. Whether they are State or private is not an issue for the commission. We are there to ensure they have a reasonable rate of return.