Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is interesting that the Minister mentioned the independent surveys and the recovery model because as he knows, Irish households are crippled by the most expensive electricity prices in Europe. Average electricity costs here are almost €1,800 per year, €350 more than the European average. The Government parties all promised they would introduce measures to help with the cost-of-living crisis when they were campaigning last November. Despite this, energy prices are 61% higher than they were in 2022. The Government has ruled out energy credits this year, saying they cannot become the norm. People are struggling, yet as part of the energy security review, the Government has suggested another levy, which would push up bills even further.

When the Minister says temporary, what timeframe does he have in mind? The last time we were here, the Minister said he would publish the CEPA and GNI reports. Will he publish them? Will the Minister categorically rule out any new levy on household bills? I ask him to do so. Will he ensure that the PSO levy network charges are distributed more fairly?

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