Electricity costs and cost of living
Senator McGreehan called for a debate on the cost of living, especially soaring electricity prices, and asked for ministerial engagement on the issue.
I ask the Leader for a debate on the cost of living with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, specifically in the context of the cost of electricity. The truth is that bills continue to rise while input costs are decreasing. We have the highest prices in all of Europe. Something is seriously wrong when our energy market is 60% above the EU average, and that is before taxes. Whether that is due to anti-competitive behaviour, inefficiencies in generating electricity or a combination of many things, one thing we know for sure is that we need the Minister, Deputy EamonRyan, to come to this House and outline what his Department is doing for families who are falling into poverty. They cannot afford to pay their bills because of the inefficient market we have in this country.