Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I had hoped we would hear a plan for this winter and we would have in hand a plan setting out what the gap is as regards security of supply and how and when it will be addressed.

Unfortunately, we have not seen that and that does not give me much assurance. I was also hoping we would have a plan in relation to energy prices and how individuals and businesses would be helped in the coming weeks. We are coming into a budgetary process but the Minister's party colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, has been clear as to what measures will be put in place in relation to childcare. Regarding energy pricing, people need clarity and assurance that the Government will assist them. It would be good if the Minister would outline the measures he will roll over. Many of the tax measures are up in October. Will the Minister clarify whether they will be rolled over?

On protecting vulnerable customers, will the CRU expand the current criteria to include financially vulnerable? That is a major issue that is not included at the moment.

I do not agree that the blackout levy coming down the road should increase for everyone. There has been a fundamental failure by the people in this room to ensure security of supply for the coming winter. There has been mismanagement of large energy users and I do not think individuals and small businesses should be made to foot that bill. I ask the Minister to take that into consideration.