Mr. Dave Kirwan:

I will refer to the EUROSTAT analysis published in December 2014 to which the Commission for Energy Regulation referred last week. The price of gas for residential customers is 6% below the European average, and the price of electricity is on average. Compared with Europe, Irish energy prices compare favourably. That is not to say that we should not try to do better. To be fair, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has done a great job in charting energy policy in recent years in respect of the optimum mix for the power generation portfolio. Its support for onshore wind has introduced a good mix.

We have discussed the issue of competition at length. I think it is demonstrably working for customers. We re all under pressure and we would love to have Senator Brennan as a customer. If I may I will get his details afterwards, we will be delighted to talk to him.