Mary Flaherty
Question:7 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline (1) the nature and scope of the investigations he has ordered into the affairs of the ESB, (2) the reasons for the investigations and (3) the findings to date.
Written Answers. - Investigation of ESB.
I outlined the scope of this inquiry in a press statement issued on 22 October 1991. I asked the ESB to provide information on membership of subsidiary companies and the fees and other remuneration payable to board members. I took this action as a result of the concern I expressed in this House on 16 October 1991.
I have received the necessary information from the ESB and I am satisfied that nothing illegal has taken place. I have, however, asked the board to terminate arrangements whereby subsidiary board members receive payments for their services as board members in excess of the amounts approved for main board members. I intend also to give further consideration to the way in which directors of semi-State subsidiaries, for which I am responsible, are appointed.