Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Maybe 17 minutes. As Members know, I am quite interested in the energy debates. These are serious questions. Obviously the Government is watching closely where energy prices are at now versus international wholesale prices. We see petrol and diesel prices at the pump, for example, falling to their lowest level in a number of years, which is a good thing, and likewise in regard to home heating oil and gas into people's homes. There is always a delay in passing on reduced wholesale prices but we will make sure that delay is as short as possible. In the meantime, we have a strong support package for businesses under the temporary business energy support scheme for businesses, which has been extended. The support has been increased in regard to the percentage increase that the State will now pay for. It may be extended again beyond May for another two months without the need for primary legislation. We are doing a lot in this space. We have said that the 75% windfall tax on extraordinary profits made on very high energy prices will effectively be recycled back into the system, recognising the pressures that both households and business are under.

See this speech in context