Bernard Allen
Question:107 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps, if any, being taken to deal with Ireland's infrastructural deficit; and the safeguards, if any, being taken to ensure lowest possible access costs. [15715/99]
Written Answers. - Infrastructural Deficit.
My Department has responsibility at policy level for the provision of quality infrastructure across three sectors – transport, energy and communications. All three sectors have a vital role to play in national economic development and in the promotion of Ireland's international competitiveness. It is therefore my policy to promote the provision of competitive, safe, secure and high quality services in these sectors.
There has been an increasing trend in recent years at EU and world level towards liberalisation of markets in these three sectors. I have consistently sought to encourage and promote competition in these sectors where this is an appropriate means of ensuring the provision of high quality services at the lowest possible cost.
There are also circumstances where financial intervention by the State, the EU or public private partnerships may be necessary to address an infrastructural deficit or to ensure the provision of high quality services. In those cases, I have submitted proposals to the Minister for Finance for appropriate targeted investment. These proposals are being considered as part of the preparatory work for the national development plan.