Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Deputy's presentation but, as he knows, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, CRU, has functions regarding consumer protection as part of its statutory role, including around disconnections and protections for those on prepay meters. As part of the national energy security framework, the CRU announced enhanced consumer protection measures for implementation this winter. There is a range of protections for customers on prepay meters.

In addition, if anyone is in any difficulty, we have the social welfare system to provide supports on an emergency-needs basis and a basic position with regard to not disconnecting people throughout the winter who are in genuine hardship. We are looking at approximately 340,000 prepay electricity meters, with 90,000 of those provided to people who have experienced electricity debt, to help them budget these costs and providers have clear protocols in place.

See this speech in context