Wednesday, 28 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 81-101

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (81)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

81. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way his Department is supporting businesses, particularly SMEs, to address gaps in their cybersecurity infrastructure and encourage take-up of very high-capacity broadband connectivity as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan and funded by the European Union; if there is dedicated funding for both provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47383/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Driving the digital transformation of enterprise, and in particular among SMEs is a central objective of the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework. Digital technologies have the power to transform small businesses, opening up new opportunities, increasing productivity and efficiency, and building resilience.

In line with the National Digital Strategy, in June I launched the Digital Transition Fund alongside Grow Digital, which focus on driving the uptake of digital technologies among businesses in Ireland. This €85m fund is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and will run to 2026, drawing on the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) to help SMEs at all stages of their digital journey.

Under Grow Digital, my Department held a series of workshops for businesses around the country, offering practical advice to businesses considering digitalisation. Work is also under way on the development of a new, web-based Digital Portal, which will offer information to all businesses on how they can approach their digital transition and the supports available to assist them in the process. I expect this will be launched in 2023.

My Department is also allocating funding towards the establishment of a national network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs). The initiative is co-funded by the EU under the Digital Europe Programme. The EDIHs will provide access to technical expertise and experimentation, so that organisations can “test before invest”, as well as innovation services, financing advice, and the training and skills development necessary for successful digital transformation. These Hubs will specifically target emerging technology awareness and capacity-building, enhancing the uptake and deployment of Artificial Intelligence, high performance computing, and cybersecurity. Ireland will have four hubs in the network, and they are set to be operational by the end of 2022.

The need for robust cybersecurity is called out in the National Digital Strategy, as a prerequisite for a successful Digital transition. This requires a systemic approach, as set out in the National Cybersecurity Strategy. In terms of individual SMEs, we would advise that businesses always engage with trusted software and cloud providers, and promote awareness of cybersecurity issues among staff on an ongoing basis.

Policy and funding responsibility for both cyber security and high-speed broadband rests with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, who may be able to provide more detail on those specific areas.

Energy Prices

Questions (82)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

82. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged with energy-intensive industries and large multinational corporations regarding the difficulties they are facing in addressing rising energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47409/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Officials from my Department as well as Ministers of State and I personally have ongoing engagement with the business community. This engagement has been particularly useful in understanding the impact of rising energy costs on businesses, including for energy-intensive industries, large multinational corporations as well as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and these issues have now been addressed in this week’s Budget.

My Department has taken a leading role in the Government response to this issue, working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which coordinates the whole of Government response via the Energy Supply Emergency Group on which my Department is represented. In particular, my Department convenes the Business Energy Users Sub-group which was set up to assess the impacts of rising energy costs on businesses and to help inform the Government response. This includes business representative groups, as well as officials from my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Enterprise Ireland, and IDA Ireland. The group has met on three occasions to date and most recently met on the 8th of September to update members on the response so far and hear views of members.

Other fora where the cost of doing business and energy costs in particular have been discussed with the business community include:

- the Labour Employer Economic Forum on the 7th of September which I attended along with the Taoiseach;

- the SME and State Bodies Group on the 13th of July which I chaired with the Minister for Finance;

- the Enterprise Forum which I chaired on the 29th of June;

- the Retail Forum chaired by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English on the 8th of June; and

- the Hospitality and Tourism Forum chaired by myself and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD on the 12th of September.

As Budget 2023 makes clear, my Department and the Government are committed to providing appropriate supports to businesses to deal with the energy-related and other challenges arising from the Ukraine crisis, and I will be continuing to engage with business stakeholders in this regard.

Work Permits

Questions (83)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review applications for work permits (details supplied); if he will examine and expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47427/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that following the consideration of additional information received at review stage in respect of one of the persons concerned (in the details supplied) a decision was made to award a Renewal General Employment Permit. The permit issued on 22nd September 2022.

The Employment Permits Section of my Department also informs me that on dates between 28th September 2021, and 6th September 2022, the General Employment Permit renewal applications for the other three persons concerned (in the details supplied) were refused.

In each instance, the applicant was informed of the refusal reasons and of their right to request a review of the refusal decision within 28 days from the date of issue of the refusal letter. In each case an appeal was received, however the appeals were received after the 28-day period in which an appeal must be submitted, and therefore they could not be considered. The applicant was informed in each case of this decision.

The refusal to grant an employment permit does not preclude an applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type.

It must be noted that due to the length of time from the expiry of the original permits in respect of these individuals, renewal applications cannot be considered, therefore new General Employment Permit applications are required to be submitted.

Under employment permit legislation 90% of the fee paid is refunded if an application is either withdrawn or refused. The applicant is advised to request a refund in respect of these three cases, by completing and returning the mandate form which will facilitate the processing of the refund.

A checklist document has been prepared to assist applicants when applying for a General Employment Permit specifically for the role of a horticultural worker and this document can be accessed on the Department’s website through the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/publication-files/checklist-for-horticultural-meat-dairy-general-employment.pdf.

It is important to note however that the role of horticultural worker is subject to a quota and once the quota of 1,000 permits introduced last year has been reached no further permits will issue for this role. All applications received are dealt with in order of date of receipt, so the company concerned is advised to submit new General Employment Permit applications for this role as soon as possible.

Energy Prices

Questions (84)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

84. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has engaged with energy-intensive industries and large multinational corporations regarding the difficulties that they are facing in addressing rising energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47484/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Officials from my Department as well as Ministers of State and I personally have ongoing engagement with the business community. This engagement has been particularly useful in understanding the impact of rising energy costs on businesses, including for energy-intensive industries, large multinational corporations as well as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and these issues have now been addressed in this week’s Budget.

My Department has taken a leading role in the Government response to this issue, working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which coordinates the whole of Government response via the Energy Supply Emergency Group on which my Department is represented. In particular, my Department convenes the Business Energy Users Sub-group which was set up to assess the impacts of rising energy costs on businesses and to help inform the Government response. This includes business representative groups, as well as officials from my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Enterprise Ireland, and IDA Ireland. The group has met on three occasions to date and most recently met on the 8th of September to update members on the response so far and hear views of members.

Other fora where the cost of doing business and energy costs in particular have been discussed with the business community include:

- the Labour Employer Economic Forum on the 7th of September which I attended along with the Taoiseach;

- the SME and State Bodies Group on the 13th of July which I chaired with the Minister for Finance;

- the Enterprise Forum which I chaired on the 29th of June;

- the Retail Forum chaired by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English on the 8th of June; and

- the Hospitality and Tourism Forum chaired by myself and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD on the 12th of September.

As Budget 2023 makes clear, my Department and the Government are committed to providing appropriate supports to businesses to deal with the energy-related and other challenges arising from the Ukraine crisis, and I will be continuing to engage with business stakeholders in this regard.

Employment Rights

Questions (85)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

85. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which he will introduce a statutory sick leave scheme. [47524/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Following detailed consideration of the issues surrounding the implementation of the statutory sick leave scheme, the Sick Leave Act will commence on 1st January 2023.

The Act is intended to provide a level of protection to employees who do not currently have employer-paid sick pay schemes, many of whom are low-paid and cannot afford to miss work. As a starting point, this scheme will cover the three waiting days before eligibility for Illness Benefit from the State. This is a progressive Act and will ensure, once commenced, that all employees are better off and will have financial protection from day one of a medically certified absence.

Employment Rights

Questions (86)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

86. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to statutory sick pay; and if he will engage with the author of same. [47525/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Prior to enactment of the Sick Pay Act 2022, my Department undertook a full public consultation, reviewed international best practice, and formed an interdepartmental group to ensure that all views from stakeholders were properly considered in the development of the statutory sick pay scheme. The Bill also went through pre-legislative scrutiny which was carried out by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade & Employment. Following the Committee's recommendations I brought forward some amendments to the Bill.

The Sick Pay Act is intended to provide a level of protection to employees who do not currently have employer-paid sick pay schemes, many of whom are low-paid and cannot afford to miss work. As a starting point, this scheme will cover the three waiting days before eligibility for Illness Benefit from the State. This is a progressive Act and will ensure, once commenced, that all employees are better off and will have financial protection from day one of a medically certified absence.

Following detailed consideration of the issues surrounding the implementation of the statutory sick leave scheme, the Sick Leave Act will commence on 1st January 2023.  Regulations to give effect to the commencement date and rate of statutory sick pay are currently being drafted.

I acknowledge the important role payroll software developers have in this context and officials from my Department will engage further with their representatives on this issue in the near future.

Energy Usage

Questions (87, 88, 89, 91, 92, 95, 99, 100, 101)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

87. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on the European Commission's proposal to incentivise a reduction in electricity demand across the European Union, particularly in the context of large and extra-large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47410/22]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

88. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on the European Commission's proposal to incentivise a reduction in electricity demand across the European Union, particularly in the context of large and extra-large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47485/22]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

89. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities proposed measures to reduce electricity demand among large and extra-large energy users; his views on whether an incentivised reduction model would be more appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47486/22]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

91. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on whether the European Commission's proposed regulation to incentivise a reduction in electricity demand contrasts with the approach of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in its proposed measures to reduce electricity demand among large and extra-large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47405/22]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

92. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on whether the Commission for Regulation of Utilities should revise its proposals to impose a tariff system among consumers, particularly in the context of large and extra-large energy users, in view of the publication of the European Commission's proposed regulation to incentivise a reduction in electricity demand. [47406/22]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

95. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on the proposed measures of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to reduce electricity demand among large and extra-large energy users and small and medium enterprises; his views on whether an incentivised reduction model would be more appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47411/22]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

99. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on whether the European Commission's proposed regulation to incentivise a reduction in electricity demand contrasts sharply with the approach of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in its proposed measures to reduce electricity demand among large and extra-large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47488/22]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

100. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications his views on whether the Commission for Regulation of Utilities should revise its proposals to impose a tariff system among consumers, particularly in the context of large and extra-large energy users, given the publication of the European Commission's proposed regulation to incentivise a reduction in electricity demand. [47489/22]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

101. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications if he or his Department has had further interaction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities since its publication of proposed measures to tackle rising electricity costs; if he expects these proposals to be implemented on 1 October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47490/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 89, inclusive, 91, 92, 95 and 99 to 101, inclusive, together.

I, along with officials within my Department and colleagues across Government, have been and continue to engage constructively at an EU and national level on all matters related to the ongoing energy crisis. As the Deputies note, the European Commission has proposed a number of short-term exceptional emergency measures recently which include a proposal to incentivise coordinated electricity demand-reduction across the EU. Other proposals include capping the revenues of inframarginal electricity producers with low costs of production and introducing a solidarity contribution from fossil fuel companies to be used to mitigate the impact of high energy prices on customers. Measures which can assist consumers and those measures which seek to reduce demand on the energy system are welcomed. The short-term emergency proposals as put forward by the Commission are complex in nature and therefore it is up to each country to see how they might apply these proposals and, in this regard, there is flexibility build in. As regards demand reduction, this is a critical measure at both national and EU level, in particular demand reduction at peak hours. If demand can be reduced at peak hours that can in turn bring down electricity costs for everyone. Separately, as noted by the deputies, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has also recently proposed changes to the electricity network tariffs to assist with, inter alia, demand reduction. The CRU has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take such measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. These proposals are part of a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The CRU, as an independent regulatory body, will play a central role in any national electricity demand reduction policies based around tariffs. Officials from my Department are in contact with the CRU in order to ensure that priority matters regarding the energy crisis continue to progress.

Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 87.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 87.

Electricity Generation

Questions (90)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

90. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grants are available for the purposes of buying a generator for domestic use in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47363/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

There are a wide range of capital supports funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Micro-generation has an important role in creating opportunities for homes, schools, community groups and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity, which can help offset rising electricity prices as well as decarbonise homes and businesses. The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants through the SEAI for domestic applicants for Solar PV installations up to 6.0kW, primarily for self-consumption. Grant amounts are up to a maximum of €2,400. The SEAI will also be assessing extending such support to other technologies under the MSS, including Micro-Hydro, Micro-Wind and micro-renewable CHP. Micro-renewable CHP excludes oil, solid fuel, natural gas and other non-renewable fuels as it does not reduce primary energy or CO2 and therefore does not align with the climate ambitions of Government as it would lock-in fossil-fuel technologies. The Government funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the SEAI. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme provides increased grant levels of up to 50% (up from 30%-35%) of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard. The Better Energy Homes Scheme provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their home taking a step-by-step approach. Grant amounts have been significantly increased this year in line with the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme. The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 87.

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 87.

Energy Prices

Questions (93)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

93. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his Department has had further interaction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities since its publication of proposed measures to tackle rising electricity costs; if he expects these proposals to be implemented on 1 October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47407/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

On the 25th of August, following engagement with customer representative groups, energy suppliers and network operators the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced enhanced consumer protection measures scheduled to come into effect in October, November and December: These measures include:

- Extended Disconnections Moratorium: Moratorium extended to three months and from 1 December 2022 until 28 February 2023 for all domestic customers.Vulnerable customers: Moratorium extended to six months from 1 October 2022 until 31 March 2023. It should be noted that vulnerable customers registered as being critically dependent on electrically powered assistive devices cannot be disconnected for reason of non-payment at any time and this protection remains in place. - Extended Debt Repayment Periods: Debt repayment plans will be extended to allow a minimum of 24 months for customers to repay debt. Customers may repay debt in a shorter period if they prefer. This is due for implementation on 1 November. - Reduced Debt Burden on Pay-As-You-Go Top-Ups: Reduction in the debt repayment level on Pay-As-You-Go meters from 25% to maximum 10% (i.e. a €20 vend would have €2 deducted to pay debt). This is due for implementation on 1 October. - Better Value for those on Financial Hardship Meters: All customers with a financial hardship meter to be placed on the cheapest tariff available from their supplier. This is due for implementation on 1 December.

- Promotion of Vulnerable Customer Register: Enhanced requirements on suppliers to actively promote the vulnerable customer register and the protections it offers. This due for implementation from 1 November 2022. My officials engage with the CRU on a regular basis and on a wide range of matters including consumer protection.

Emergency Planning

Questions (94, 102)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

94. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the Project Dara war-game preparedness exercises for emergency energy shortages that were recently carried out; if his Department intends to carry out further exercises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47408/22]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

102. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the Project Dara war-game preparedness exercises for emergency energy shortages that were recently carried out; if his Department intends to carry out any further exercises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47491/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 102 together.

Exercise Dara, a joint energy emergency exercise was successfully held on 9 and 16 September to test the response to a hypothetical and unlikely disruption to Ireland’s gas and electricity supplies.

Ireland’s gas and electricity system operators have emergency plans in place and routine exercises of this nature are held regularly – to stress-test the systems and procedures that are in place to ensure that the government, State agencies and industry are prepared to effectively manage a range of potential scenarios.

These emergency exercises involved Government departments, State agencies and key stakeholders in the energy sector, including network operators Gas Networks Ireland, EirGrid, ESB Networks, and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

The input from the stakeholders involved in the exercise will inform future exercises.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 87.

Energy Prices

Questions (96)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

96. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 20 September 2022, if a response will issue directly on the question submitted in respect of full-time mobile home residents who have been very unfairly treated with regard to access to the previous energy rebates and possible future rebates. [47441/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices.The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) has been applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April, May and June, including prepay meters. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. This has been an exceptional measure which used the single eligibility criterion of an electricity meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible this year, without any additional means testing. The payment has been applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act. In cases where the households mentioned by the deputies are rental accommodation, where tenants have disputes relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.

Energy Prices

Questions (97)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

97. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking to immediately introduce legislation to prevent increases in standing charges and the rising cost of electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47444/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by the Deputy, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.

The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at [e-mail] for timely direct reply

Energy Policy

Questions (98)

Michael Lowry

Question:

98. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether it is appropriate and justified for an energy provider, such as in the case of a company (details supplied), to be allowed to exit the electricity and gas supply market with only ten working days' notice to the Commissioner for Regulation of Utilities and to the customers of the company; if he will seek to have this notification from the company extended by the Commissioner for Regulation of Utilities to 1 November 2022 in order to give customers who are impacted by the exit of the company additional time to find a new supplier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47452/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process is managed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as part of its responsibility for the regulation of the retail gas and electricity markets as assigned under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. The primary objective of the SoLR process is to ensure that customers’ electricity and gas supply is not interrupted. Under the process, all customers of exiting suppliers are transferred to thestandard tariff of that gas or electricity supplier. Customers will remain with the SoLR supplier (in this case Electric Ireland or Bord Gáis Energy for electricity and gas respectively) for the 90 day period, and will have the option of switching to another supplier after the 90-day period. The duration of the SoLR term is determined by a number of factors, including the volume of customers transferring, the requirement of the SoLR to purchase additional energy in the short-term on the wholesale market to provide for these additional customers and to allow adequate time to facilitate the registering of customers and issuing of bills. The SoLR term is approved by the CRU. The CRU is accountable directly to the Oireachtas. Furthermore, the CRU has a dedicated email address where Oireachtas members can contact them directly at: [e-mail]

Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 87.

Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 87.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 87.