Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Rural Group on tabling the motion. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this important matter, particularly as the Government's delay in taking meaningful action to address the challenges that continue to be faced by households and businesses is apparent both here and at the European Council. One action that could have a meaningful impact on the dreaded electricity bills coming in people's doors would be to decouple electricity prices from those obtaining in the gas market. This is something that was proposed by numerous countries at EU level and has been repeatedly raised by Sinn Féin for over a year yet the Government actually signed up to a statement confirming its opposition to decoupling. The reversal of the decision here by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications is welcome but questions over the Government's ability or wiliness to effectively deal with this do not give one faith in their ability to make the right calls for the people.

The windfall tax is another area where the Government is dragging its feet. In September, the Council of Energy Ministers agreed a resolution to implement a windfall tax. The most that we have had from the Government on this is a statement by the Minister that his Department is working with other Departments, Government agencies and stakeholders to implement the regulation. I have said time and again since being elected that there is a real sense that this Government does not accept the urgent need to accept matters that are immediately affecting people and businesses. I find myself saying that again today while families are choosing between heating and eating and while businesses are uncertain about the future. Those are the ones that have not had to close their doors or let people go. It is really not good enough.

What about standing charges? Some energy companies have increased them by €300 in the past year alone. One supplier now charges up to €700 a year. This is another way of fleecing an already hard-pressed public. What has the Government done? Nothing. The CRU states that it does not have the remit under legislation to regulate standing charges. Where does the Government stand on this? It is staying silent while people struggle. We need legislation to give the CRU the power to regulate standing charges. The Government has become shameless in its support for the status quorather than taking measures to deal with the challenges people face. Its poor response to the interests of the Irish people is unjustifiable.

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