Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The issues in front of us include the doubling of disconnections and the significant issue of fuel poverty. The energy regulator increased the prices even though it would have had evidence that disconnections were being doubled. We need to look at its modus operandi. Gas installation is another issue facing us. Due to the economic downturn, people are unable to employ certified fitters and gas installers and are instead employing people with very little competence in the area. We have had numerous discussions with the Commission for Energy Regulation which has not appreciated the urgency of the issue at hand. Cowboys are doing work on gas installation, there seems to be a breakdown between the body regulating gas installers and the commission and nobody seems to be taking a hands-on approach regarding shoddy work being done. We have seen the doubling of disconnections, and the decision by the energy regulator to award price increases must be questioned. I do not think there is a genuine acceptance of the fuel poverty and the number of people who are not using their energy sources because of fuel poverty.

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