Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Respectfully, the Tánaiste was being open enough but I did not get much comfort from his answer. In the context of our energy supplies, brownouts and blackouts, what contingency plans are being put in place? I understand this is a real fear, particularly if we have a very harsh winter. We cannot predict anything with climate change. Can the Tánaiste confirm to the House whether EirGrid has issued a number of stop requests to heavy industries in the past few weeks, perhaps numbering more in that period than in the whole of last year put together? If this is the case now, then we are facing into big problems. What are the contingency plans for this?

I respect what the Tánaiste said in regard to the fuel allowance but we will see how it is widened out. I want to raise a particular issue. If gas and electricity prices soar this winter, in the light of what he and I have just outlined, will the Government use the opportunity to make maximum price orders under the Consumer Protection Act to ensure consumers will still able to afford to heat their homes and have electricity in them? Such orders have been used in the past. Will the Tánaiste consider using them if that is the scenario this year?

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