Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We have no control over them because they are internationally traded and our model is set in legislation. We have kept prices down for years, during which there has been no increase whatever. The regulator has made its judgment and recently provided figures based on its calculations over the year.

Deputy Kenny asked what we proposed to do. We took immediate action. Some 70% of generation costs are outside domestic control and the Government and the regulator will work with industry to reduce the remaining 30% of costs and improve efficiency and competition in the sector. Several weeks ago we announced a substantial increase from 1,800 to 2,400 free units for old people which, based on the calculation of the regulator, will fully protect the hundreds of thousands of people in the State who would otherwise have difficulties. It will give certainty to individuals that they can continue to be protected from the increases.

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