Yesterday, the Taoiseach told the national economic dialogue that he believes energy costs will remain very high throughout the coming winter. That is devastating news for many households that are already on the brink. As he knows, wholesale electricity prices have come down considerably. In April, wholesale electricity costs were just a third of what they were last August. Yet, prices remain at eye-watering levels for ordinary households. Companies clearly are not passing on these reductions to consumers. What does the Taoiseach propose to do about this situation? Rather than casting himself as some kind of prophet of doom, what will he actually do to ensure a cut in people's bills as wholesale prices continue to decline?

I am not the prophet of doom but the Deputy is the harbinger of doom. It will not take her party being in office for more than several months before this country ends up in an economic crisis. I guarantee her that.

Petrol and diesel prices have fallen considerably from peak. Electricity and gas prices will fall too. There is not a direct link between wholesale prices and retail prices. It is an indirect link. At one point, wholesale gas prices were six to ten times higher than their base but retail prices never went up sixfold or tenfold. It is not a direct link and the prices will come down. In the meantime, we are assisting. The 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas remains in place and is helping to keep prices down. As the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, confirmed today, the windfall tax legislation will be through the Dáil and Seanad before the recess. The proceeds from that can be used to help people.