Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last November, the Dáil passed a Rural Independent Group motion clearing the way for cheaper electricity prices. That motion was tabled, debated and passed on 16 November, which is almost six months ago. The motion explicitly instructed the Government to immediately change policy and implement regulations to cap the prices paid to wind farm operators and energy companies and to place a windfall or excess profit tax on all energy companies to provide for cheaper household electricity bills. It also instructed the Government to end the unconstitutional practice of protecting the superprofits of energy companies, which are driving up electricity prices for everyone. However, almost six months on the public have not seen their energy bills drop because the Government has failed to get its act together and implement the required changes. It is unforgivable for any Government policy position to continue when it allows almost all our energy companies to make staggering profits of over 600% of their predicted earnings over the past two years, while people are struggling to keep the lights on. It is totally unacceptable.

The carbon tax has been mentioned often. By next September, the Government will have put on 23 cent per litre of petrol and 18 cent for diesel, which is going to drive up the price of food. People, therefore, cannot pay their electricity bills and cannot have their lights on and a bit of heat because the Government is melting their pockets every way it can. Now there is the little nod-and-wink fund with the carbon tax, which is supported by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Greens, the Social Democrats, Labour, all of which make up the usual cosy gang here in the Dáil. They are going to rip the money out of the ordinary people's pockets again. People cannot afford it. The Government cannot continue to add carbon tax and VAT and expect people to pay for it. The Government did not bring in any legislation to ensure people got their warmer homes in time, like they were supposed to. I support this motion, as it is trying to help people in these terribly difficult times.

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