Longford TD wants answers on briquette production and price rise

Longford Westmeath Deputy Joe Flaherty is calling for an investigation to ensure there's no price gouging on briquettes.

The Fianna Fail TD says he's been contacted by many families who are alarmed at the recent price increase and he wants the Consumer Protection Commission to ensure that Bord na Mona isn't attempting to implement an opportunistic price rise.

Deputy Flaherty says that Bord na Mona also needs to explain why many retailers haven't been able to get their usual supply over the past months.

He says there's no good reason why the production of briquettes should be scaled back at this time.