As the Taoiseach will be aware, earlier this week, it was reported that the independent energy operator Pinergy is to offer customers a very welcome 7.1% reduction in electricity costs. This will equate to an average reduction of €183 per customer. This has clearly shown us that the other energy companies have nowhere to hide. In the event that the other energy companies do not give customers reductions, will the Taoiseach direct the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to come to the House and explain the rationale for fleecing customers such as ordinary households, farming families and businesses? This has to happen. Only two weeks ago, I was very saddened to see the closure of a great family business in Birr, County Offaly, Milne Foods. We do not want that happening. I recognise the Government is putting a scheme in place but the energy companies also have a part to play.

The Deputy is right; the energy companies do have a part to play in this. It is welcome that Pinergy has reduced its prices. It was one of the more expensive suppliers in the market in the first instance. There is, of course, an interplay between wholesale prices and retail prices and hedging forward. I understand, as we all do, how the energy market works. It would not be acceptable to see energy companies recording massive profits this year while saying that, for some reason, they cannot reduce their retail prices. I do not buy the argument that, although prices went up within months, they cannot come down for years. If wholesale prices continue to fall, there will come a point at which the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and I will bring the energy companies in to have a conversation about this.