Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I agree with my colleagues about the need for a broad debate on energy. On energy supply, one of the critical issues for ordinary people is the price they are paying. I have received a number of allegations that every time Bord Gáis increases gas prices because of increased wholesale gas costs, the standing charge increases proportionately. I can understand that Bord Gáis needs to increase the price of gas because of the price at which it buys gas, but I cannot understand why the entirely unconnected standing charge increases proportionately. Attaching a 40% increase in standing charges is in the territory of a clever rip-off, as it has nothing to do with the wholesale price of gas. Will the Leader arrange a debate on this issue?

Of more immediate concern are the statements in this morning's media that even after improvements, Ireland has some of the lowest levels of maternity benefits. Extraordinarily, the European countries at the top of the world competitiveness league and ahead of us are those with the best maternity benefits. The argument made by employer groups and the Department of Finance that extending maternity benefits would undermine our competitiveness is contradicted by the facts. While it seems too soon after discussions in recent years, I would like a debate on the maternity benefits package. We are underproviding for those who experience difficulties in combining their work and family lives. It is our job as legislators to deal with this matter and I ask that the Leader arrange a debate.

Previously, I told the Leader that people can no longer make intelligent decisions about what they purchase from abroad irrespective of their disapproval of certain Governments. For example, textiles no longer carry country of origin markings. Yesterday, my friend and colleague from Cork, Deputy Coveney, MEP, raised the issue of slave labour camps in China and called for a boycott of its produce. I would be happy to do so but the country of origin will not be marked on the produce.

I do not understand how this has happened. If I travel to the United States, everything I buy carries country of origin markings, but the European Union has decided to make this impossible. The Minister of State responsible for this matter has informed me that there is a European problem but my colleague in the European Parliament, Proinsias De Rossa, MEP, said there is not. Will the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment address the House on fair trade and the capacity of consumers to influence the behaviour of multinationals in terms of minimum labour standards in developing countries? It is an extremely important issue. Will the Leader arrange a debate on this matter?