I do not think anybody doubts the absolute necessity of ensuring that we have the proper level of regulation, particularly when we are talking about natural gas and liquified petroleum gas. We all know the issues that can exist. We all know the dangers that exist. In fairness, my colleagues, Deputies Pa Daly and Bennett recently stated, like many others have done, that there are issues those who have worked in the sector have brought up and we all welcome that. Many times, we have come in here and looked for greater powers in relation to the CRU, but it is making sure then that it has the capacity to be able to deliver upon them. There are very particular issues that exist in relation to the RGIs, registered gas installers. They are being appointed as the gas supervisory and safety body, as in the inspection body, but their inspectors are not trained on non-domestic installation. That is the piece. We have heard many speak about rushed legislation, but the fact is that there have been issues that we have known have existed for ten years and more if the truth be told. It is a matter of us actually dealing with these issues from the point of view that we have a framework that works in relation to those who are involved in the delivery of these particular systems and gas systems. I think everyone will be aware of the absolute necessity in this State in relation to home heating, domestic heating, non-domestic and industrial heating, particularly in the last period we have gone through, and the absolute necessity the State has with regard to energy and the issues we have sometimes had in ensuring we have a decent energy supply. While there has been much talk in the last while, and necessary talk, in relation to ensuring there are no bureaucratic or administrative hold-ups in the delivery of huge necessary projects, we have also seen, whether we are talking about mica or 101 other issues, that we did not have a sufficient amount of regulation and oversight and we did not have the systems in place. Due to that, we are dealing with it from that point on at a huge cost to the State and, obviously, if I am talking specifically about mica, at a huge cost to those affected, particularly in Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and the Minister of State's own county. We have a number of those particular issues in my own country. The Louth local authority is at this point dealing with the Department and ensuring that we can be added to the scheme with the issues that exist. I digress but my point is that we need to ensure that safety is in and we need to ensure that the regulation is correct. We need to absolutely ensure that those who are given the job in relation to both commissioning and decommissioning have the skill set that is necessary. We may then need to make sure we can operate this as seamlessly as possible. It is fair enough for anyone else who has brought up the issue in relation to the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that there are people out there who are really suffering because they do not have the finances. It is a case sometimes of whether people eat or heat their homes. I do not think it is good enough that the Government has completely given up in relation to those supports that are needed, particularly as regards energy credits. We all heard earlier about the cost of disability and the fact there is no cost of disability payment. We are going to wait another year for people who are really suffering at this point, and people spoke about the particular issue they have in relation to heating. I ask that the Minister of State bring back to Government that this is an issue that needs to be resolved.

Sentiment score: 0.21