Ms Aoife MacEvilly:

Just because we do not have the data does not mean we do not understand that it is a problem for some customers. It will probably be a challenge increasingly this winter because the rates are higher and customers' credit will last for less time than they would have been used to previously. We are concerned about this. That is why we asked that the customers on the financial hardship meters be on the lowest rate. We have reduced the level of debt repayment on the top-ups in order that the top-ups will last longer. One of the other measures we have introduced relates to gas. Previously, there was a charge if a customer wanted to switch away from using a prepayment meter. We have removed that charge. What we will be saying is that if customers find that they are on this product, it does not suit them and they are in difficulty, they can switch to a non-prepay option free of charge if they are on a financial hardship meter.