Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I support these amendments. We discussed this at length on Committee Stage and the Minister did not agree with us. We are creating a new market and new procedures and it is important to recognise in such circumstances we can over-legislate but that can be changed. It is better to be safe than sorry. We would be acting in the interests of people in both jurisdictions if we accept the amendments.

Amendment No. 46 calls for the insertion of "or consumer needs". We must incorporate these needs more graphically than has been the case so far. It is of importance to consumers in both jurisdictions. It would not weaken the legislation to ensure the needs of the consumer are recognised. All other needs are recognised, those of market forces and regulators. This system is supposed to generate competition and openness and open markets in favour of the consumer so why are we so sensitive about excluding him? He is the person who expects us, as legislators, to provide for him. That applies equally to the consumer in Northern Ireland.

If in future there are rises in gas and electricity prices against international trends, how will it be explained to the consumer? No one is willing to explain it anymore. The Minister will not explain it in the House and the regulator will state it was his considered opinion that prices should rise. We welcome the opinion of the regulator, the SEM and the relevant Ministers in both jurisdictions, but the consumer interests, along with trade unions and other relevant bodies, are of vital importance so we must insert this condition now.

See this speech in context