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

It never answers its phones and we are hearing about that from lots of people who cannot get through to Electric Ireland so it is supremely ironic to have a phone call cutting across a critique of Electric Ireland. Customers are paying, as we have heard, approximately 90% per unit of electricity than they did in the spring of last year and families are facing massive annual bills. Where is the fairness in that? We are looking for a sense of urgency from the Government and we are looking for a sense that mere words of encouragement are not the strongest response it can provide. Previously, during Leaders’ Questions, I raised with the Taoiseach the scandal of district heating companies charging ridiculous amounts, up to four times more, for energy than other households pay. I have heard the Minister say that is a matter for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, which is not good enough. I have spoken before about the need for the Government to take the Corrib gas field into State ownership to enable us to control gas prices and reduce bills but again the Taoiseach has said such a move is beyond the Government’s control. However, Electric Ireland is already in State control so, what is the excuse this time? How can the Government justify a hands-off approach when people are struggling to make ends meet? Ní féidir le daoine íoc as a gcuid billí míosúla. Caithfidh na comhlachtaí praghas an fhuinnimh a laghdú do theaghlaigh freisin.

See this speech in context