James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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My apologies, sorry. No worries. I will just say finally, "Thank you so much." It was very informative. I apologies that members had to dip in and out, but I think everyone who came here got a good opportunity to ask good questions and get great answers. The information, although a little depressing, is interesting.

As Cathaoirleach of the committee, I suggest that something we might have to consider specifically is insurance. Maybe we could take a direct approach with the companies as well as the Cabinet subcommittee. We could deal with the Low Pay Commission as well, as suggested by Senator Fitzpatrick.

As Chairman of this committee, I have a concern about the enormous profits being made by energy companies in Ireland. I refer to ESB Networks as the company that is in charge of energy on the grid and to the companies that are dealing directly with the consumers, whether businesses or households. At one point during the lifetime of the current Dáil, Ireland had the highest non-residential - commercial, effectively - electricity prices in all of the EU. It is repulsive that it has got to that stage considering the significant profits that are being made. That is something we might have an opportunity to discuss and raise. I hope that is of some comfort to the businesses that are represented here because it is across the board.

I thank all of you for your time and input. You are all most welcome.

I propose that the joint committee adjourn until Tuesday, 4 November 2025 at 2.30 p.m. for a private virtual meeting and that we sit again in public session on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 12.30 p.m. Is that agreed? Agreed.