I wrote a letter to the Chairman because of my concern about the high level of disconnections, especially with regard to Bord Gáis but also with regard to electricity supply. This is a real, growing issue. I would be grateful if we could have a presentation from Bord Gáis and possibly the ESB. I request that the Commission on Energy Regulation, CER, be included as well because the decisions are very often governed by the CER. For example, the CER sets the price for disconnection and reconnection. I find this bizarre, but this is the way the game is played. We must examine specifically the hardship being caused at the moment. I call for presentations from those three bodies.
Business of Committee
My apologies for being late. I support Deputy McManus's proposal. There is a letter on the way to the Chairman as well, raising concerns about some proposals from some of the utility bodies to introduce a minimum payment of €20 and that they will not accept anything less than €20. I have dealt with several constituents who have been disconnected, especially from Bord Gáis. It is extraordinarily difficult to get them reconnected and to reach an arrangement. Some people can afford to pay only €10 or €15 per week. They apply budgeting skills that we encourage them to apply and then these are not accepted.
Is it agreed that we contact the utility companies concerned and the CER? Agreed. It is a pressing issue.
I thank the Chairman.
I refer to a separate issue. I am unsure how appropriate this is but since this committee oversees the work of RTE, I suggest we call on Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh to appear before it. We should be capable of showing him our appreciation for his 62 years in broadcasting.
What format does the Deputy envisage?
I do not know but——
We should leave that idea with the Chairman to think about it.
That is what I am saying. We should take the opportunity.
Where does one stop? That will be the issue.
I will discuss the matter afterwards to sort something out.
I refer to a report recently in which the National Newspapers of Ireland expressed their concern about competition from RTE in on-line and digital ventures they are undertaking. Given that RTE is heavily subsidised to the tune of €200 million through the licence fee, in some way it has an advantage which disadvantages those who are trying to compete on a commercial basis. We might consider this to establish whether the matter should be examined by the committee.
Is the Senator suggesting we put it on the work programme?
Yes. We should consider the work programme. It is probably for them to take the initiative and contact us, but it was simply a report in which I took a particular interest.
Does the Senator have the name of the report?
The National Newspapers of Ireland made a submission in August expressing their concerns about what they regard as unfair competition.
We will put it on our work programme.
The joint committee adjourned at 11.35 a.m. until 9.45 a.m. on Wednesday, 29 September 2010.