Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, the Government has a series of initiatives in the area of water and waste which are designed to produce a more cost-effective and efficient delivery of water and waste to the industrial sectors. The report seeks the rapid implementation of those. In the case of electricity, while the Deputy might be better tabling a question to the Minister with responsibility for energy, I understand the ESB has been implementing a process of cost reduction. Some of the disadvantage is in the fuel mix we have. No doubt the ambition to diversify sources of fuel is an important aspect of long-term delivery of cost-effective electricity.

In the area of consumer prices, I have beefed up the Competition Authority, which will be merged with the Consumer Agency later in the year, and I have put additional staff there to look at areas in which there is potential or real abuse of competition. I am determined to see effective implementation of our competition legislation. The issue with regard to banking is one we can discuss and I acknowledge the point that has been made.

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