Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

This matter was first brought to my attention by the Catholic Primary School Management Association, CPSMA, which had the matter brought to its attention by a large number of its schools. I have spoken with some gas companies, which claimed that they have no control over this area because the regulator sets the tariff and pricing structure. This is a matter for the regulator in consultation with the Ministers for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Education and Skills.

According to the Minister of State, he met the regulator. When was the meeting? Will there be a follow-up meeting? As Deputy Quinn suggested, can we try to procure gas and other energy sources on the basis of a number of schools joining together? This is the way forward. Otherwise, the waste will continue.

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