Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Electricity standing charges have increased for most people by upwards of €300, regardless of energy usage. The standing charge is supposed to reflect the fixed costs associated with providing electricity and gas. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, mentioned this morning putting in place a moratorium rather than bringing forward emergency legislation, as is his duty, to protect the people of this country. We brought emergency legislation through this House to deal with the Covid pandemic. People are in perilous conditions now and the Minister is refusing to bring forward emergency legislation to deal with it. He might tell the people why he has ordered a review we do not have time for and is refusing to bring forward emergency legislation to deal with this gouging that is happening on top of the gouging by the Government. It reduced VAT to 9% but its tax take has increased because of the trebling of the standing charge. Will he be truthful and honest about this?

See this speech in context