Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is the most pathetic answer I have ever heard. The Minister has responsibility for this area but he is acting like a commentator. As far as I can see, energy companies are laughing at him, the Government and the regulator, which the Minister refuses to resource and empower. By extension, these companies are laughing at ordinary customers. This is not something I cannot stand for. The companies in question are reporting record profits, charging the highest prices in Europe, as reported, and, according to this morning's newspapers, engaging in sloppy billing practices. Some 11,000 Electric Ireland customers have not received bills. A number of these people have not received a bill for four months. This is a deeply concerning issue. These people will receive bills for thousands of euro next month. Will the Minister update us concerning what he is doing to respond to this issue? Will he ensure that people will not be penalised because of the mistake made by Electric Ireland? What will he do to protect them?

See this speech in context