Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ms MacEvilly said she does not have the data but if only 6% of 1.2 million are choosing the smart tariffs, clearly something is wrong. When I was discussing my own plan, I looked at the options and I knew I would not be using appliances after 11 p.m. What people are choosing to do is stay on the flat tariff because it is still providing better value for money and is less hassle. If the CRU brought the time forward to 8 p.m., we would see a change. We would see people saving money and moving away from peak times. I urge the CRU to consider that seriously.

It was reported recently that Ireland has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. Consistently, we are up there in the league table. What is the CRU's view on this? Obviously we are an island nation and we do not have the same bulk-buying power as other EU nations but is the fact that players such as ESB and Electric Ireland have such a large share of the electricity market also relevant? Is there a lack of competition in electricity supply, and does that drive up prices? Would more competition in the market help? We have seen suppliers leave the sector but would encouraging more to enter the market result in better prices for consumers?