This morning, we learned that 12% of ESB customers are in arrears, up 55,000 on the first quarter of this year. Last year, the Government had to subvent households, businesses and community groups the high cost of energy. At the same time, we realised that energy companies like ESB and Energia had profits of €847 million and €354 million, respectively. What progress did the Taoiseach make with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, in their meeting with the CEOs of these companies to ensure they pass on the reduction in wholesale prices to their customers so that the Government does not have to use tax resources to subvent the cost of energy?

All four of the companies the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and I met have announced reductions in their prices. Since then, some other companies have announced competitive prices as well. However, the message from us to them was very clear. We do not think their prices are coming down enough. We want to see further reductions in the next billing cycle in the new year. They pointed out to us that there is not a direct link between wholesale prices and retail prices, and people understand why that is. The retail companies are not making substantial profits; it is the generators that are making the substantial profits. What are we going to do about it? There will be a temporary solidarity levy on fossil fuel producers and a windfall profit tax on the generators and we are taking special dividends from companies like ESB. We will be able to use that money to help families with the cost of energy during the winter period. The detail of that will be announced on budget day.