Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Taoiseach's words on John Hume's vision and with his reflections on the brutal war in Ukraine, from which we are seeing an enormous impact. We have to recall those who come here fleeing other wars. In recent days, I have heard real concerns around a resettlement programme for Syrian refugees fleeing war and Afghan refugees who are here and in many cases seeking family reunification, and the need to speed up the processing of their applications. That is important, alongside the welcome we need to continue to extend to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

I return to energy and the EU policy thereon. We welcome moves at EU level to introduce a windfall tax on the excessive profits of energy companies. I referred earlier to the Corrib gas field and there is something the Government should do now to address the profits being made there. The revenues from Corrib increased almost fourfold last year, though nothing has happened to increase the cost of production or supply, nor is there any international competition that would boost the price of Corrib generated gas. That price has increased dramatically solely as a result of factors which should have no direct impact on the Irish market. It makes no sense that Corrib gas should be priced as if it was internationally traded and could power German factories in the Rhineland when it is being used here. I propose the Government invoke existing legislative powers for the duration of the emergency on a temporary basis, to ensure Irish-produced gas is sold to the State on a cost-plus basis, bringing down costs for consumers.

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