Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too stand to support this amendment. It beggars belief that the Bill promised we might put some kind of rein on these companies. One thing that is sure and certain is that they have not flown the green flag. I do not know what flag they are wearing but we have the most expensive fuels and everything else in Europe by a long shot. The Government here is so feeble in dealing with the energy companies. We were all hoping for legislation on a meaningful energy cap that would help us to understand their explanations and lack of explanations. They are entitled to hedge and to buy in advance. They must cover themselves like any business but they make massive profits on the backs of ordinary people who are struggling and they do not wear the green jersey.

The CRU is totally toothless, useless and fruitless. Many of these regulators are. This is a simple beneficial amendment and it is very hard to believe the Government is so hard-nosed against it when it is the right thing to do to keep tabs and have proper examinations and restrictions on these companies, and not just to tell us they have to hedge because they have to stay in business. We understand that, but not to this level. I am very disappointed the Minister of State will not accept the amendment.

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