Before the war in Ukraine, we urged the Taoiseach to use the powers the State has under the consumer Act to control the spiralling prices of heating fuels and energy, which are impoverishing huge numbers of people and increasing fuel poverty. There is an even stronger case for that now with the spiralling prices as a result of the Ukraine war. Some of this is being fuelled by speculation, which should also not be allowed. Does the Taoiseach now think it is time for the Government to use the powers available to control the unit prices of heating fuel and energy?

The matter is under active consideration by the Government in terms of the broader issue of the increased fuel prices.