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

It is clear the Government has not done enough to protect workers, families or businesses from the high cost of electricity and energy. Wholesale prices have reduced by 57% since last March, but bills increased by 63% in that time and have not reduced since. We have seen the impact of energy costs on businesses. In my county, Meath, Tara Mines issued devastating news for 650 workers earlier this week. Can the Minister tell me what the Government is doing to reduce the energy burden on Tara Mines and other businesses?

There were repeated requests to the Minister to intervene with regard to Tara Mines. A letter from SIPTU was issued to the Minister yesterday, specifically looking for a meeting with him, SIPTU and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Simon Coveney, early next week. The union will facilitate a group meeting or individual meetings. Has the Minister received that letter? Will he meet the union next week?

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