Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on ensuring that tariffs for domestic gas cylinders are brought under the remit of the Energy Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10112/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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While the regulation of natural gas tariffs is the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions, the Commission has no function in regard to the setting of tariffs for domestic gas cylinders, or LPG, which is a by-product of oil. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland.

The transportation and supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is not licensed under the Energy Acts and neither my Department nor the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) have any role in the regulation of LPG transportation and supply.

Section 14 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, enables the CER's responsibilities to be extended to cover the activities of LPG undertakings and installers with respect to safety. Following legal advice indicating that amendments were required to this provision of the legislation, the Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill includes a number of amendments in order to incorporate LPG and LPG installers into the natural gas safety regulatory system and to further provide that the CER assume responsibility for LPG safety. The Bill was introduced in the Seanad and has recently passed Second Stage.

These current legislative proposals represent Phase I of a two phase legislative approach. The matter of addressing identified gaps in relation to LPG Distribution Networks and reporting of LPG-related incidents requires further detailed examination and consultation with both industry and the Health and Safety Authority in order to ensure that among other things there is no duplication of responsibilities.

The CER has recently published a consultation document on these issues. The outcome of that consultation will inform Phase II legislative proposals. There are no plans to extend the role of the CER in relation to LPG beyond the safety role.