Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. However, it shows a complete lack of understanding of the current situation affecting customers, who are reeling from a 5% increase in electricity prices. Many are experiencing such difficulties that their supplies are being cut off. Almost 2,500 disconnections from the electricity supply are taking place every month. Does the Minister not agree that it is totally unacceptable for the public to discover that millions of euro are to be spent on a costly rebranding exercise that is not necessary and has no justification, and whose cost will be borne in some way or another by customers? It is unacceptable at a time when public finances are dwindling and most people are desperately afraid of the impact of the economic recession.

Surely the Minister understands that the public mood cannot tolerate the squandering of millions of euro on an exercise that is unnecessary and has not been costed by the regulator. Does he accept that he has within his power, since he is, in effect, the person who regulates the Commission for Energy Regulation, that under legislation he has the power to direct the regulator to desist from embarking on this costly and unnecessary exercise? Does he not accept that there has been no complaint about electricity networks? This is not an issue for competitors who want access. It never has been an issue since competition was introduced.

The Minister has to get a grip on the reality facing people and sort out this costly exercise, priced at €40 million for Bord Gais. He gave a figure for the ESB that is only one figure bandied about. The regulator made a decision that applies to the retail sector of the ESB without having costed the price of his decision. Surely that in itself requires the Minister to take action.

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