Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

If I had any control over which questions are submitted, this one would not have got through because it is not relevant to my area. As an ordinary consumer, I am aware of the variations in the price of oil versus the price charged at the pumps. The price of oil peaked on the international commodity markets last July at approximately $147 a barrel and is now trading at approximately $65. The price at the pumps was approximately €1.43 per litre at the time of the peak in prices, reducing to €1.33 in late July and to €1.13 or €1.14 at this stage. Therefore, there has been some movement. As a motorist, I would be delighted to see immediate falls in prices and would certainly be displeased to see immediate increases. However, it is a matter for the consumer.

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