Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The notification to the Department came almost two and half months prior to TII making the announcement, as it did last Thursday. That was almost two and a half months after TII flagged the increase to the Department. The Minister of State will appreciate that an ordinary person looking in on these proceedings would ask how did TII present such an increase at a time of serious problems with the cost of living, including the cost of fuel and motoring cost. The ordinary person would also ask why it took two and a half months for the announcement to be made. It was only made as we entered the Christmas period. What is the background? We will put these questions directly to the representatives of TII. Is TII legally required to get the approval of the Department? Is it legally required to flag proposed increases to the Department?