Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I accept section 9 refers to the importance of consumers' interests. When the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 was brought forward, we tried to plug the gap in regard to the role of CER and the needs of consumers. Representatives of CER attended a meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and offered an explanation for the incredible swingeing increase of 34% in gas prices and a possible 20% hike in the cost of electricity. Some of the background papers which I and other Opposition spokespersons have read point to glaring inconsistencies in regard to differences between household and business customers.

It should be there in headlights at the beginning of the Bill that consumers' needs are the key concern. The electricity generators and networks are there to serve consumers, and their needs should be central. The SEM committee, CER and SONI must keep them to the forefront of their view into the future.

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