Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I agree that we must be sensitive with regard to disconnections. I followed with interest the discussion at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources last week at which the utility companies set out the reality regarding disconnections. Many people are experiencing budgetary difficulties and we must be sensitive and careful to ensure, as we do, that codes of practice are in place and consumers are able to avail of mechanisms such as the Money Advice and Budgetary Services and direct contact with the utility companies. The companies in question must treat consumers in a fair and appropriate manner to ensure people do not have their lights switched off unjustly. I understand the Commission for Energy Regulation agreed last week to review all these methods and mechanisms. We must look after those who are experiencing budgetary problems in these difficult times.

We must also recognise that now is not the time to shut down or achieve economic recovery through contraction alone. We need investments, even in these difficult times. A large percentage of national income was invested in Ard na Crusha at a time when national income was relatively small. This decision, in which the Fine Gael Party was involved, has benefited the State for the past 80 years.