Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Deputy O'Flynn will get his chance. He is there long enough. The Minister is directly responsible for policy inactivity and an abdication of responsibility in respect of energy prices. In recent years, we have seen considerable increases in the prices of gas and electricity, which is having an impact on employment costs and household budgets.

Recently, I was in contact with a small firms association that carried out its annual business survey of costs. Second only to labour costs, energy costs have been cited as one of the greatest issues in terms of employing people.

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