Alan Dillon

Well, firstly to say, David, is that we fully recognise that more families are under pressure, particularly when it comes to energy costs.

We see energy prices now have increased across Europe, driven by international gas and oil markets.

These are not decisions taken by government buildings.

And that's precisely why the government has already delivered one of the largest support packages across the EU, over 750 million euros.

Well, certainly what that will do is it will shield households, it will reduce their bills where possible, but it also provides support when needed the most and it's targeted.

If you look at why our electricity costs are so high, wholesale gas prices have a major impact on energy prices in Ireland.

And while hedging can cushion households from full volatility, it doesn't remove it completely.

So...

That's why we may see suppliers' price increases in the coming months.

And I know Minister O'Brien has written to the energy suppliers to make them aware that there is a real pinch point and challenge around Ireland's exposure to customers and to insulate them in some way.

But also the CRU are also reviewing...

competition within the retail market.

And we're working with the CCPC to ensure there's better transparency in regards to how bills are put together.

And as I said, we are undertaking a piece of work with the CRU to look at the structural costs associated with electricity because it's really important for customers and households that they're aware of what they're actually paying for.

And that's why also we're investing really significant money.

money over 19 billion euros in enhancing our grid to bring more renewable energies on stream while also investing record numbers in home retrofitting to support households to make them more warmer but also cheaper to heat and to run and you see through the warmer home schemes which are fully funded through SAAI we have a target of over 73,000 homes that we want to retrofit by the end of the year

And we'll continue to make substantial efforts in regards to home retrofits.

We've increased the grants for heat pumps, for attic insulation and for wall insulation.

And they're making a huge impact.

And I think that's really, really important to recognise.