Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would be remiss of me not to say something about the shock news of the resignation of the Taoiseach. He is someone I am extremely proud to have served under, both as Taoiseach and as leader of our party. He is also someone who has sacrificed much for public life and public service. He has served the country well and with distinction. That will be the legacy he will leave behind. I am very proud to have served as a Member of the Oireachtas and as a member of the party under his leadership.

We have heard in recent times that energy costs are coming down significantly. Perhaps when one is busy in public life, one might not keep enough of an eye on one's bills and charges. I want to point out something that needs to be addressed, in particular for some elderly people who are coming out of contracts. The company I happen to be with is Flogas. I came out of contract on a high rate taken out during the energy crisis and the company increased my costs by 50%, which brought it back up to more than 60 cent a unit at a time when the average cost is less than 30 cent a unit. It was 100% my fault for not keeping an eye on it, but I am now putting something in place. I do not think companies should be allowed to do that. There are many vulnerable people and families that might not be keeping a tight rein on something like that who are caught with significant costs, which I think are exorbitant. The companies have made massive profits over the past 12 to 18 months. I do not think they should be allowed to go further. There needs to be a cap on the increase put on people when they go out of contract.