In recent years, energy suppliers operating in Ireland recorded profits running into hundreds of millions of euro, even as households struggled with some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. That reality is why stronger transparency, oversight and consumer protection are not only justified, but necessary. This pressure has been felt most sharply in rural Ireland. When people in rural areas do not have access to cash, they have no alternative. They rely on electricity, oil and solid fuel, often in older homes that are expensive to heat. When prices go up, they have nowhere to turn and fuel poverty sets in quickly. I saw that clearly myself time and again while canvassing in Galway last weekend. On doorsteps in rural areas, people raised energy costs as one of their main concerns: pensioners, working families and small business owners all said the same thing. They feel squeezed, they feel forgotten and they are worried about how they will manage the next winter. While people are struggling like that, profits are being made. The ESB recorded profits of €868 million in 2023 and €706 million in 2024. Bord Gáis Energy made €72.5 million in profit in 2025. SSE's Irish operations reported profits of over €50 million. These are huge figures when set against the reality being faced by households across the country. We also know what actually provided relief before the last election: energy credits were issued. I did say "before the last election". I heard again on the doors of Galway how important these credits were to people, who remember them because they made a real a difference. They reduced fear and bought people breathing space. Energy prices remain high. Fuel poverty has not disappeared. That is why I make a direct appeal to the Minister of State: those energy credits need to be reintroduced, not as a political gesture, but as a necessary support for our households, particularly in rural Ireland. This Bill is a step in the right direction. It pushes transparency and accountability, but legislation alone will not keep homes warm. People need practical help and they need it now. Energy is an essential service. No one should be forced to choose between heating and eating. That is why stronger regulations, real affordability measures and the return of energy credits are not optional but essential. We are, unfortunately, not energy independent. We should be. We are laggards. That is what the powers in Europe think Ireland is: laggards in relation to renewables. People out there are trying to put solar on their houses and on the roofs of their sheds. The pittance grants they are getting are shocking compared with those in other countries in Europe and in the UK. They are getting treble in Scotland what we get in Ireland. We are not moving in any direction. All the Government wants to do is tax the people as hard as it can - carbon, the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, levy, VAT, the whole lot down the hard-working man and woman's back. The people know it and they are angered out there about this because the Government has neglected the good hard-working people of this country.

Sentiment score: 0.05