Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is a businessman. If 405,000 customers were to contact him tomorrow seeking a deal, he would fall over himself to give them a discount. Some 405,000 people are in receipt of the energy allowance, with a further 397,000 in receipt of the telephone allowance. The Minister of State referred to the increase in the costs of these schemes, which is also a reflection of a substantial increase in profits for energy companies and those of the telecommunications companies that are well run. Surely it is within the capacity of the Department of Social Protection to seek a deal on behalf of almost 500,000 people.

As the Minister of State is aware, older people do not like change. Whereas he and I may change providers regularly, our older peers have more loyalty to their providers and will not change. Surely, given the numbers who receive these allowances, the Department should be able to negotiate better deals and improve its understanding of usage.

While I concur that demographics will dictate that the costs of these schemes will increase, choices were available to the Government. If it had taxed those earning higher incomes, specifically those with salaries of more than €100,000, those on the lowest incomes, including pensioners, would not have to take cuts in the household benefits package. While I am aware this matter does not come within the Minister of State's brief, I ask that the Minister revert to me on the position regarding discussions with Eircom and Electric Ireland on unused units and the social benefits package. I will resist the temptation to comment on the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, and bonkers.ie.

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