Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My time is limited but I want to say a few words on energy prices and energy supply. We are aware that Russia is using drones to target people in their homes - killing, maiming and destroying - and now we see the systematic and targeted bombing of energy installations across Ukraine. This is further evidence, not that we need it, that Russia is blindly determined to destroy Ukraine and to use energy as a weapon of war.

We need a cap on gas prices and we need to be at the forefront when it comes to pushing for this. My understanding is that we are not. If so, can the Minister of State please tell me why?

The reality is that Russia made significant money because the price of pipeline gas was not capped early on and now we see how they are using that money.

I ask about the joint procurement process across the EU. The Commission cannot do this but the Council can push it forward. Any go-alone strategy damages all of us.

I raise the issue of a windfall tax. It is my understanding that this is being looked at as a one-off and it cannot be retrospective. I understand that and, of course, the EU has no competence when it comes to tax but we in this country could move quickly on this and put in place our own windfall tax. What are the obstacles and how much revenue are we forgoing by not doing this? What are the Government's plans for a solidarity tax?

Finally, we will hear plenty of advice about households and individuals saving energy and that is important because people want to save money and energy. That message, however, must be accompanied by strong action on a windfall tax, a solidarity tax and a cap on gas prices, or at least a decoupling of gas prices from electricity prices.

See this speech in context