Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

On the Taoiseach's argument about internationally imposed energy costs, since these increases were announced, energy prices have begun to fall. There is no capacity, as the regulator operates, for more than an annual review. Despite falling energy costs, these punitive increases of 34% will continue to apply. Meanwhile, there is an attempt to create an artificially competitive market in the electricity sector. Some small businesses are threatened with going out of operation as a result of the 19.6% increase that will apply to them.

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