asked the Minister for Energy the most recent estimate available to his Department of the cost handicap of Ireland's energy consumption in comparison with equal volumes purchased at average EC prices; and the extent to which he expects the discrepancy to have been eliminated by 1992.
Written Answers. - Energy Consumption.
17.
Following the reductions in electricity prices in 1987 and 1988 Irish prices for domestic and industrial electricity are now below the EC average.
Irish prices for natural gas for industrial and commercial consumers are the lowest in Europe. In the domestic sector the Irish gas market is very different from that in the other Member States as a high proportion of customers consume very small quantities. For the larger domestic consumers Irish prices are similar to the EC average.
Domestic coal, in so far as comparisons can be made, is significantly cheaper in Ireland than in other EC countries.
There has been a significant improvement in Irish prices for residual fuel oil compared to the EC average since January based on data published in the EEC Oil Bulletin. The Minister for Industry and Commerce, who has responsibility for the control of oil prices, announced reductions in petrol and autodiesel prices last Tuesday and also announced the setting up of an inquiry in regard to the supply and distribution of these fuels.
As outlined above there have been very significant improvements between the prices now prevailing in Ireland and the EC average and it is the policy of the Government to continue to make Irish prices more competitive as quickly as possible.