Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I have often raised the issue of electricity costs and the lack of activity when the market was liberalised some years ago. I pointed out that domestic consumers have no option but to pay the enhanced rate while commercial users may enjoy a degree of competition. I welcome the decision to separate the grid from the main service provider in this country to stimulate competition. People realise and the Government recognises that if we do not do this the European Commission will insist we do it to liberalise the electricity market.

I believe the Electricity Supply Board, ESB, workers and unions are going in the wrong direction if they are threatening to stop this happening. High energy users met our committee and told us bluntly that escalating energy costs in the country will deter employers and threaten jobs unless a degree of competition is introduced. I think making such threats before the general election is the wrong road for the unions to take.