Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I think we agree this is an issue. I know this is an issue and the Government is aware this is an issue. We have already taken measures, which I outlined in my initial response, but we have to go further.

Work is happening at an EU-wide level. We have to look at the electricity market design and the Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency. They are matters I have raised at European Council meetings. There are discussions at European level.

We need to expand renewables and ensure the households that need assistance get it. Energy credits could not be sustained into the future. Supports worth €3.5 billion were given. I would rather invest that money in structural reforms. We are putting that €3.5 billion into equity in ESB and EirGrid to enable them to leverage to invest further in our grid and deliver projects like the North-South interconnector, which is absolutely needed for resilience and to drive down energy prices in this country. We need that investment in our grid but I assure the Deputy that those who need assistance will get it. I have met the energy companies directly. A number, like Electric Ireland and Yuno Energy, did not put up their prices but they have re-established the hardship funds at my request to assist households that need assistance most.

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