Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the regulatory system as transposed into Irish law is capable of giving Irish consumers the benefit of lower oil and gas prices on international markets; if he will take action to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38802/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he proposes to take action of a legislative nature or otherwise to intervene on behalf of the consumer with a view to delivering the benefits of lower international oil and gas prices to the domestic and business section here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38745/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is statutorily required to protect the interests of final customers as well as taking into account the needs of vulnerable customers. CER has put measures in place to ensure that consumer interests are represented in the CERs decision making process and that customer complaint mechanisms are enhanced. Plans by CER to develop consumer panels for gas and electricity consumers have been superseded by the establishment of the National Consumer Agency. The Agency's remit is to represent and progress consumer interests and is specifically charged with providing consumer advocacy in the regulated sectors including energy.

I welcome the fact that the CER have undertaken to review electricity and gas tariffs in light of recently emerging price trends for oil and gas on global markets. CERs openness to review its recent tariff decisions in light of all factors indicates that the regulatory system is responsive and is taking the concerns of consumers and enterprise into account.