Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

A House debate on electricity generation would be timely. Some people may not be aware that there could be a difficulty later this year regarding the capacity of the ESB and other suppliers to meet demand. A couple of years ago, a new company, EirGrid, was set up to take over the running of the national grid. That has not yet been done. The idea was to create competition and reduce prices but it appears the opposite has happened. The electricity regulator, who appears to be answerable to nobody, now says the public service obligation must be increased by 50%, which will add 2% to 3% to the cost of each household electricity bill. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources should be asked to attend the House to discuss this matter.