Labour's Tommy Broughan on Tuesday called on Energy Minister Noel Dempsey to ensure that Irish consumers are protected from prospective rises in British energy prices.
Broughan stated the prospective energy price rises were of concern to Irish consumers because the vast majority of Ireland's natural gas supply is imported. He also said that "serious difficulties being experienced in British and European gas markets," were a concern and may lead to price hikes.
"The prospective 25% increase in the price of gas and electricity bills in the UK could have serious implications for energy users here," said Deputy Broughan.
"Because of our huge energy import dependency, increases of this magnitude in the British market are of great concern for the Irish energy sector and especially for consumers and business users here."
Last month, the EU urged Ireland to establish a strategic gas reserve to store gas to provide for emergencies.
Ireland is one of only three EU member states not to have established such a reserve.
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