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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 1986

Vol. 370 No. 3

Written Answers. - ESB Accounting Practice.

11.

asked the Minister for Energy if in view of the excess generating capacity of the ESB he considers that it would now be appropriate to amend the provisions of the Electricity Supply Act, 1927, which permits a double write-off by way of amortisation and depreciation, and the substitution therefore of conventional accounting practice in the preparation of the ESB's accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

31.

asked the Minister for Energy whether the ESB would have shown a profit for the latest financial year if normal commercial accounting practices had been pursued; and, if so, whether their accountancy policy of double depreciation should be discontinued.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 31 together. Arising out of the Jakobsen report discussions are taking place with the ESB about a more transparent method of catering for capital expenditure in the accounts. Until these discussions are completed it is not possible to say what would be normal accounting practice for the ESB and I would not wish to speculate therefore on the results which might have been achieved if this practice had been followed.

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