Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I can give the Deputy that assurance. It is the case that due to various global developments the price of the raw material being imported into this country has risen dramatically. That has had the effect the Deputy described on domestic prices. That will be especially difficult if we have as severe a winter as last year. I am happy to point out that since the new Government took office the weather has improved and November this year was quite mild.

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