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

There is no doubt that workers and families are really struggling with their energy costs. We can see that as presented in the numbers in arrears, those contacting St. Vincent de Paul, for example, and others struggling with energy bills. Almost one in four domestic gas customers are in arrears at this stage. Therefore, there are real challenges there. However, my question specifically asks about the underlying factors driving the high cost of energy in this country. The Minister stated that the CRU said there was no market failure. Is it the case that customers in Ireland are expected to live with energy bills double the European average into the future or will the Government act to tackle the underlying causes of those huge bills?

See this speech in context