Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when gas from the Corrib field will come ashore; if he will give any direction to the Commission for Energy Regulation in relation to wholesale and retail pricing of this Irish gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22175/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Completion of the development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available.

In terms of giving a direction to the Commission for Energy for Regulation (CER) in relation to the wholesale and retail pricing of this gas the Deputy should note that under section 23 of the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act of 2002, the CER is responsible for regulating charges in the natural gas market, including supply tariffs to final customers.

The Government has no power to dictate wholesale commodity prices.

The CER regulates the Residential tariffs for Bord Gáis Energy. There are three other suppliers in the residential market offering tariffs and customers are free to switch between these to get the best deal.

All business sectors are deregulated and open to competition. On this basis, and to maintain the integrity of the market and the regulatory process, it would be wholly inappropriate for me to issue a direction regarding retail pricing of gas.