Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

On consumers' interest, there are two aspects to the remit of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER. One is competitiveness, which encompasses various aspects, and the other is consumer protection. I believe it has considered establishing consumer panels. However, more importantly, the national consumer agency, recently announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will have a role in the current application for a price increase. The ESB seeks an increase from CER, which puts it forward for public consultation. One of those consulted, representing the consumer interest, is the new national consumer agency.

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