Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 962: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the discussions she has had with the Commission on Energy Regulation concerning the pricing structure for gas as it applies to schools and the fact that schools are treated as businesses for the purposes of charging for gas; the discussions she has had with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15560/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has sought clarification from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the issue in question and has been informed that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is the independent body responsible for the regulation of Bord Gáis BG) Energy's tariffs and pricing structures from small domestic customers to large industrial sites.

Under the BG Energy regulated tariff structure, the level of each customer's consumption of gas determines which sector they are in with regard to BG Energy's tariffs. This applies regardless of whether the consuming premises is a home, a school, a shop or an industrial premises. In addition, other unregulated suppliers are present in the market. It is open to any gas user, including schools, to seek the best possible price given its particular circumstances.

Regarding site charges applicable to larger consumers, a charge for the pipe which supplies each premises is levied on a monthly basis and applies throughout the year. Unregulated suppliers may choose to pass this charge on to customers each month or could conceivably offer a "holiday" on this charge for the summer should they wish. However, the annual charge would remain the same and any such "holiday" would result in higher winter bills.