Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

What a great thought. What a pity he kept it so secret. What a pity he did not come out publicly and tell the people what he was trying to do because, God love him, it took him a long time to do it. Both companies indicated a willingness to do so subject to the regulatory system. Lo and behold, despite all the regulation and all the obstacles in their way, it came to pass that it was possible to reduce the increase that had already been granted. Between them, they attempted to pull off the greatest con of all time. The increase now appears to have been a decrease. I know there is considerable confusion on the matter on the opposite side of the House. The difference is as follows. The Minister should go back to the various executives to whom he spoke before and ask them to restore the prices that prevailed before the original increase was granted. There was no basis or grounds for an increase and that is still the case.

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