Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
177. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received any reports from the Commission of the Regulation of Utilities on gas theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57471/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to theft of gas are an operational issue for Gas Networks Ireland and for the Board and management of that company, which is a commercial State body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I, as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, have no statutory function in such matters and therefore I have not received any such reports from the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities. However, in such a case there may be an element of overlap between Gas Networks Ireland and the work of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The CRU has responsibility for safety matters and it would appear that the theft of gas and / or tampering with a gas meter are issues which may give rise to serious safety concerns. As the Deputy will be aware the CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. I have therefore received no reports from them in relation to this matter. The Deputy may wish to note that 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. Such queries can be submitted to oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
