Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

If there is evidence, even a suspicion, that a cartel is operating, the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency, a statutory body established last May to defend consumer rights, can investigate and bring to book anybody in the industry who is engaging in cartel practices. In Dublin, where property prices are high, the availability and expense of sites are issues. However, it is not possible for the Government to intervene and regulate a free market by trying to set prices or, indeed, set particular filling station locations and micromanage it at that level.

The Department and the CER have a general role in the energy policy area to ensure general security of supply. We are preparing a report at present examining energy security and long-term security implications. I have also, through the amendments that were made possible in the changes to the National Oil Reserves Agency Act, recently raised the security of supply levy to ensure we will have 90 days storage available in the event of any disruption. The State is engaged at that level. With regard to issues involving incorrect practices that exploit the consumer, the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency are sufficiently strong to address them.

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