Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he is taking to protect consumers following the price increases in electricity and gas in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37544/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (as amended) the Commission for Energy Regulation is the responsible authority for regulating energy prices including the price of electricity and gas. I do not have any function in this area.

I would advise the Deputy, however, that it is intended that the forthcoming Bill establishing the new National Consumer Agency (NCA) will include a specific provision enabling the Agency to enter into co-operation agreements with the various regulatory bodies, including the Commission for Energy Regulation. The Bill will also require regulatory bodies, who are parties to such co-operation agreements, to consult the NCA in relation to any matter involving the determination of issues of consumer protection. I am satisfied that these provisions will help to provide a strong consumer voice in the regulated sector thereby ensuring full consideration of consumer issues in the regulatory process as recommended by the Consumer Strategy Group.