Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Commission for Energy Regulation dictates prices. I have indicated, as has the Minister, that an interaction is going on to see in what way, consistent with the regulatory regime, we can reduce prices as an assistance to business at this time. I believe that as a result of that work any possible changes that may be envisaged can be brought forward more quickly than would otherwise be the case under current arrangements.

However, I emphasise it is a regulated industry and was brought to that point in order to try to facilitate competition, which is now coming into play thankfully. I hope it will replicate what we are seeing happening in the gas industry, the announcement of which I very much welcome today. While the Deputy suggests that others pontificate, the Labour Party policy position gestates.

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