asked the Minister for Energy if he has mechanisms in place to monitor world price developments in energy products; and if he has consulted with the Minister for Industry and Commerce regarding the relationship between retail prices in the shops and world prices for bottled gas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Product Prices.
70.
The question of price monitoring and control is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce. As I indicated in reply to an earlier question by the Deputy on this subject on 27 May, 1987, I am quite willing to co-operate in any way possible with the Minister in any actions he may deem necessary to carry out his functions under the Prices Acts in so far as they relate to energy products.
I would ask the Minister to reply to the question. Does he have any procedure in his Department to monitor world prices? In the case of gas, is he aware that the raw material price has fallen by 64 per cent since April 1985 but the price in the retail shops has not fallen to the extent that would reflect that fact? In the light of his monitoring activity, does he refer such anomalous cases to the Minister for Industry and Commerce for action?
The whole question of price monitoring and control is the responsibility for the Minister for Industry and Commerce and this question should be directed to him.
Is that the whole purpose of having a Department of Energy to ensure that the Irish energy consumer gets a product at the cheapest possible price? Is it not, therefore, the case that monitoring the cost of products coming into this country is not a matter solely for the Minister for industry and Commerce but is the primary responsibility for the Minister for Energy?
The supply is my responsibility. Pricing is a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce and I have nothing further to add.
Does the Minister pay no heed to the price of these fuels?
That is not the case. I am saying that the day-to-day operation is the responsibility of the Minister for Industry and Commerce. I understand the Deputy had a question down only yesterday to the Minister for Industry and Commerce and I suggest that he continues to ask that Minister about pricing.
Surely the situation is that the Minister for Industry and Commerce is responsible for taking enforcement action on the question of prices but the Minister for Energy is primarily responsible for ensuring that Irish consumers of energy products get those products at a cost-effective price? Is the Minister implying that he is shifting his responsibility elsewhere?
I never shift responsibility. I take it myself. I act within the law and the question of price monitoring and control is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, who is doing an excellent job and has taken initiatives in this area which have been to the benefit of the Irish consumer. He will have my full support in the pricing policy. The Deputy can be assured we work in close co-operation but it is his responsibility. I suggest that the Deputy put this question to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Will the Minister alert his colleague to the fact that consumers of bottled gas are being over-charged?
That disposes of questions for today. I am grateful for the co-operation of Members in disposing of all questions, particularly the Priority Questions.