Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his answer. It leads me to my next point, which is that this strategy was adopted in the 1970s and 1980s. The response to the request for information as to why increases were happening was a suggestion that everybody was doing it as a precaution. I do not accept that. I believe we need to test everything, particularly at the moment, because there is a grave danger of energy companies off-loading their concerns leading to a real negative impact on consumers, be they householders or other users of diesel, including farmers, fishermen or fisherwomen etc. There is a grave danger that energy companies can succeed in off-loading the increased prices and it then becomes part of our way of life.

I do not accept that, at all. I strongly support the idea that we have to justify everything, especially in times of crisis such as the present. I compliment Deputy Doherty on his knowledge of the goings-on at the Fine Gael Parliamentary arty meeting. He should come along some time for the fun of it, just for the photos.