Vol. 454 No. 6
204 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the likely effects of the liberalisation of the European electricity market on the electricity market in Ireland in relation to rural ESB stations following the recent unanimous agreement reached by European Energy Ministers relating to the introduction of a single electricity market in Europe. [11357/95]
The agreement reached by the 1 June 1995 Energy Council established some basic principles in relation to the introduction of a single electricity market in Europe. However, agreement is still outstanding on a number of fundamental issues which will be the subject of further discussion during the Spanish Presidency. The Council conclusions specifically recognise that such further discussions are necessary on the special needs of small systems such as Ireland's. It is, therefore, not possible to make any definitive statement on the impact of liberalisation on the Irish market or on rural ESB stations until these have concluded. I can, however, say that in negotiations I will continue to stress our overriding requirement for secure supplies of electricity at the lowest possible cost.
