Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

That is fair enough. Fine Gael is entitled to its position on such matters, but it cannot play both sides of the fence, as it is increasingly attempting to do. Its key point relates to charges. I would be the first to acknowledge that difficulties are being caused by high electricity, utilities and energy charges. Such costs are out of line with those being charged in our competitors abroad, particularly in the UK. The Senators opposite need to bear in mind that they control a significant number of local authorities. They have been boasting about that for some time.