Feargal Quinn (Independent)

A debate on energy prices would be well worthwhile and there is an urgent need for it. I am a great believer in competition, which is something from which our economy has benefited. However, I am at a loss to understand what has happened with regard to the regulator. I am opposed to and concerned about over-regulation. The energy regulator stated some years ago that the important thing was to bring about competition but that this could not be achieved because the prices were not high enough. As a result, he increased the price in order to encourage competition. The only reason for competition is to bring the price down. I do not, therefore, understand what has happened.

There is a need for a debate not only on energy but also on the levels of regulation and over-regulation that obtain. I do not agree with Senator Leyden's assertion regarding the taxi regulator. Less than ten years ago hundreds of people queued for taxis in Dublin every night because taxi drivers had a stranglehold. I strongly support full deregulation of the taxi sector to ensure the marketplace is competitive. We must consider the issue on that basis.

Approximately 160 people drown each year. While Irish Water Safety does a great job, I was stunned to discover that the life jackets councils place near water must be replaced within a short period. For example, I read the other day that they only last for ten days in one part of Dublin and 50% of them must be replaced every year. Assuming that children cause the problem, it is difficult to know whether to try to see if it can be solved through schools or whether responsibility rests with parents. We must find a solution because people are dying because life jackets are stolen.