Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

They are 30% higher than they should be. The Government has a duty to ensure those who are in employment are given a level playing field with regard to the cost of energy. There are many very decent people employed in the ESB who always answered the call in all kinds of emergencies. I compliment them and acknowledge their actions. They have one of the top best-serving chief executives our country has ever had. However, in the national interest, the gesture is required. We are all in this together to help and do everything we possibly can to maintain the jobs that are there and to support those who are unfortunate to be unemployed. Energy cost is a major contributory factor. After wages, insurance costs used to be the second largest expenditure on the balance sheet but now energy costs are in that position.

I can tell the House at first hand that energy costs have increased by 50% in the past 12 months for most businesses in Ireland. Domestic energy costs have increased even more. This hits everybody in society. One the one hand, I compliment the ESB, and the workers were entitled to the increase, but a gesture is needed in the national interest and I call on the ESB to do that. As Senator Ross correctly pointed out, as soon as one organisation thinks it can get away with this, it is human nature for others to follow. The example has been given, and it is not the one we need.

Senator Hannigan spoke the great work done by the Irish Film Board. He congratulated Pat Shortt and all his team on the film "Garage" and the great acknowledgment of our country. I have supported this industry all my life. I know many who participate in it and live on a wing and a prayer most of their lives. They got very little from the State, and did not want anything, but they are great innovators and entrepreneurs whom we should support. I will pass on Senator Hannigan's views to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senator Coghlan called on me to ascertain the date of the refinancing of the banks. The Minister will be in the House this morning and I suggest all those questions be directed to him during the debate on the economy. He will be able to give up-to-date information on that, and on pension entitlements and what we will do for people who have been making contributions all of their lives in good faith to pension funds, whether private or public. A whole new look is urgently needed, particularly in light of the Waterford Crystal debacle.

Senators O'Toole, Norris and Mullen all welcomed the good news and good wishes were extended across the board by the Independent Senators to each other. We are all very happy for them. The Holy Father will intervene and assist them in any way he can.