Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann,

acknowledging:

the likelihood of major job losses in both the manufacturing and services sectors in the wake of recently approved gas and electricity price increases;

the damage to national competitiveness that will ensue; and

the recent international trends indicating a reduction in oils and gas prices,

calls on the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources:

to initiate a full review of the regulatory arrangements which approve huge price increases in gas and electricity at a time when international energy prices are falling; and

as an interim measure, bring forward legislation to enable the Oireachtas compel the Commission for Energy Regulation to instigate a review of prices at any time the Oireachtas so decides so that the latest international price movements can be factored into the cost of energy charged to Irish customers.

I propose to share time with my colleagues, Deputies Hogan, Naughten, Crawford, Gerard Murphy, Neville and Perry. After eight minutes or so, the Acting Chairman might rein me in.

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