Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I am particularly pleased that issues such as security of supply, competitiveness, market development and the whole renewable energy area have received attention, as well as the need for consumers and business voices to be heard in the interface with the regulator.

I support with enthusiasm the Government's intention to bring forward a review of the energy regulatory framework. The public needs to understand how and why price decisions are taken. The public also needs to be satisfied that if fuel prices decrease, their bills will reflect that as quickly as possible.

I therefore welcome the undertaking made by the energy regulator at a meeting of our joint committee on 4 October to consider the option of a fuel cost variation mechanism within energy tariffs. I understand that the CER has now indicated that it will hold a public consultation on this issue by the end of this year. I welcome that initiative.

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