Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I support Senators Finucane, Ryan and Quinn in their calls for a debate on the ESB. The European Commission has issued a demand for the ESB to return up to €10 million paid in support by the Government to install additional capacity at Moneypoint. If this happens, the ESB will inevitably pass on the charge to customers. An additional charge combined with those imposed this year and in future will be of serious concern for customers.

If this is the beginning of requiring the repayment of grants Government has given to developing industries and industrialists in this country, it is time the Commission was asked to readdress its demands. If not for the support of Government resources given through the IDA, many current jobs would not have been created.