Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason it has been deemed necessary to increase gas and electricity prices here in line with international fuel price increases considering the substantial amount of fuel that is produced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28145/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have no function in regard to the regulation of electricity and gas charges. This is a matter that falls within the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued or will issue instructions to the regulator with a view to achieving easier access to the national grid for medium and small energy producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28146/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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At present, I have certain limited statutory powers to give directions to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER. These are restricted solely to electricity trading arrangements.

In the interests of the proper and effective regulation of the electricity and gas markets, I propose, in line with Government approval, to take powers to issue policy directions of a general nature to the CER. Such a provision is included in the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.