Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of our witnesses for the information and the very hard evidence from their own members. I am very struck by what Ms Timothy said, that they desperately need our help. We fully understand this is not the witnesses’ first port of call and we understand the situation their members are facing.

I wish to ask a couple of questions about the TBESS and how it is currently constituted. The finer details are being worked out, but the broad parameters of it are known. Some people are saying, obviously, the TBESS is very welcome. In terms of pounds, shillings and pence, what will it actually mean? Will the witnesses give us a practical example in terms of the reduction in the monthly bill? What will the scheme actually mean in terms of what it will give back by virtue of the size of the bill?

It has been suggested by some people that many of the members of our witnesses’ organisations will have been part of a scheme to purchase energy. When did those arrangements run out? I understand they are not getting renewed, but just confirmation of that would be helpful. I note the call from some people is to backdate the scheme further, but that has to be balanced against whether a person had price controls up to that point. Will the witnesses give us a wee picture of that? I understand they may not have scientific evidence, but whatever they have to inform us would be helpful. I am very interested in the difference that the scheme will make in terms of what it will contribute.