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

Both Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan and I are delighted that you allowed us to raise this hugely important issue, a Cheann Comhairle. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities granted a 66% increase to the gas installers of Ireland and a 20% increase in their registration fees. We saw the regulator taking to the airwaves to advise on the safety issues concerning gas, and all of the media outlets highlight and bring to the public concerns about gas.

In 2015 the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications made clear recommendations to Government to ensure there was proper regulation and that there was no black market in gas installation. We have seen the very powerful television advertisements on it. Now the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, is granting a 20% increase on the annual registration fees, as well as the 66% increase in the cost of certificates. It is completely wrong both on a health and safety front and in the context of the advice during the Covid pandemic about people not entering houses, meaning that people are reluctant to have anybody at all come into their houses. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities should review this. It granted the increase with immediate effect; normally there is a run-in period. It shows little regard for the concerns of the gas installers or for health and safety.

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