Vol. 485 No. 2
32 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the Government will decide the precise arrangements for the implementation of the EU directive on electricity liberalisation; and the response, if any, she is making to the submissions by IBEC and the ESB to the Department consultation paper on the matter published earlier in 1997. [22750/97]
My Department published a consultation paper in May of this year which outlined proposals for the implementation of the EU electricity directive. The purpose of this paper was to stimulate discussion on how best to introduce a competitive framework.
My Department is currently examining the wide and varied number of comments received in response to the consultation paper. As part of this process, officials of my Department are engaged in discussions with some of the main interests who made submissions. My officials have already met with representatives of the ESB and IBEC to discuss the points they raised and I have no doubt that further discussions will take place.
When the current evaluation process has been completed, I will be making a recommendation to the Government on the most appropriate structure to meet all the requirements of the directive as a basis for the introduction of legislation to meet the implementation date for Ireland, which is February 2000. I will announce the Government's decision in due course. I expect that this will be towards the end of next spring.
