Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy O'Mahony for raising the issue. He referred to his perspective as Chairman of the joint committee. He exercises his important role assiduously in this regard, as indeed in other areas within the remit of the committee. It is important - and perfectly natural and reasonable - that this issue should be debated publicly and in this House. The Deputy has fairly acknowledged the legal framework in respect of the fact that we have a liberalised market and there are no price controls, as such, but he raises very good points, particularly with regard to the reasonable expectation that if purchases are made at a lower price this would have a consequent positive implication for customers and businesses in the future. Deputy O'Mahony is correct to be vigilant and I will join him in that regard. I look forward to meeting with the chief executives of the supply companies. I have no doubt the issues raised by the Deputy can feed into the discussion.

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