Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the contact his office has had directly with the regulator's office in relation to the recent determination of gas and electricity price reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18770/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and Bord Gáis Éireann gas tariffs is the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions. I have no responsibility for setting these tariffs.

The CER has a statutory duty to advise me as Minister on the development of the electricity and gas markets, and regular meetings are held on a monthly basis between officials in my Department and the CER. Electricity and gas tariffs are often an agenda item at these meetings.

In February of this year I asked CER to undertake an immediate review of options to bring forward a reduction in electricity prices. I met the Commissioners on February 12th to discuss this and conveyed my opinion that lower energy costs could be provided to consumers in a non-distortionary fashion through an expedited review of tariffs.

I welcome the subsequent decision taken by the CER to lower electricity tariffs by 10% and gas tariffs by 12% from May 1st, following their completion of the expedited review of tariffs. The Commission's decision is reflective of recent easing in international fossil fuel prices, which follows a period of sustained increases in global oil, gas and coal prices.