Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Ó Ríordáin that this is a distressing case. We were fortunate to have had a milder winter than was the experience in the previous two years. However, the fact of the matter remains that gas prices globally have been on a constantly upward trend. The weakening euro also makes it more expensive because of imports. The weakening euro is probably helpful for many of our exporters selling goods on our neighbouring island but one area where it is certainly not helpful is in terms of the import costs associated with oil and gas.

There has been an increase of approximately 6.7% in the rate of disconnections which, against the background I just painted, is unsurprising. The regulator's assessment is that 30% of these domestic premises are vacant. Nonetheless it is a concern. I sincerely hope that between now and December the uptake of pay-as-you-go meters will continue to rise because it is very important that the protocol is observed on both sides. The no disconnections protocol assumes one is in a payment plan or has installed a pay-as-you-go meter and I recommend this be done. Factors such as the weather seem to motivate people. If we have a very cold winter people realise they ought to have taken these steps, but if it is a relatively mild period there are fewer installations. We also see this with regard to retrofit. I acknowledge the work of organisations such as MABS and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and I urge them to spread the word about the no disconnections protocol and encourage as many people as possible to sign up.

See this speech in context