Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

That is all right. I am interested in the Taoiseach's stated commitment to improving the mechanisms whereby decisions made by regulators can be appealed. I understand that the process of consultation on that matter is under way. Has any progress been made in that regard? Can the Taoiseach report on that process?

Will any poverty impact assessments be undertaken of the enormous and harsh proposed increases of 34% in gas prices and of 20% in electricity prices? Will such assessments be published by the energy regulator so we can be sure that someone is cognisant of the impact of such increases?

In light of the problems being encountered by customers of Smart Telecom, does the Government intend to reform the regulation of telecommunications in this country? Such reform is needed, not least as a result of our international broadband embarrassment.

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