Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if after the review of price increases for gas and electricity for 2007 a formal mechanism will be put in place to review utility prices on an ongoing basis in the context of fluctuating prices on global oil and gas markets and the harsh impact of utility prices on low income families and senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5321/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The position in law is that sole responsibility for the regulation of electricity and gas tariffs lies with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. As Minister, I have no function in setting or regulating these tariffs.

The question of measures to assist low income families and senior citizens is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, who secured an increase in the rate of the National Fuel Scheme from €14 to €18 per week in the recent Budget.