The Government and Commission for Energy Regulation are being called to take "immediate" action over the high electricity prices in Ireland.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Energy, Michael Moynihan TD, said the latest Eurostat figures show that Ireland has the third highest electricity prices in Europe. He also confirmed Irish households had one of the largest electricity price increases in Europe in 2014.

Deputy Moynihan said: "The figures are compounded by the fact that when you exclude taxes and charges, the real cost of electricity is higher in Ireland than in any other EU country.

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"This is an appalling vista for hard pressed working families who are struggling to meet their weekly financial commitments. Some 26% of Irish electricity costs are down to Government taxes and levies which compares with just 5% in the UK.

"Electricity prices in Ireland are still at an excessive level, despite the big decreases in global oil prices. Gas and electricity prices have soared since this Government came to power. The role of the CER is to protect the interests of consumers. However I have seen zero evidence of this over the past number of years.

"I have received no credible reason for energy prices not decreasing in Ireland in line with lower wholesale costs. The CER is not performing an essential role in protecting hard-pressed consumers."

(CD/JP)