The information requested by the Deputy is as shown in the following table:
(i) Electricity Division/Regulation/CER
A Statutory Instrument entitled the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 (Public Service Obligations) Order, 2002 is currently under preparation. Its purpose is to impose public service obligations on ESB relating to the use of certain peat and renewable-sustainable energy generation in the interests of security of supply and environmental protection, respectively.
(ii) Public Transport (CIE Corporate Affairs)
Two Statutory Instruments to extend the provisions of the Coras Iompair Éireann Superannuation Scheme, 1951 as amended are being prepared by my Department. The purpose of the Orders is to extend to 17th January 2006 superannuation terms currently applicable to members of the Regular Wages and Salaried Staff Schemes respectively and to authorize an award of supplementary benefit in the event of voluntary severance.
(iii) Public Transport (light Rail and PPP)
It is proposed to prepare a Statutory Instrument which will give additional functions to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) shortly. This Agency was established by the Minister on 28th December 2001 pursuant to Statutory Instrument 649 of 2001. This followed the passing of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, No. 55 of 2001.
(iv) Public Transport and Regulatory Affairs
European Communities (Interoperability of the trans-European high speed rail system) Regulations, to transpose Council Directive 96/48/EC on the interoperability of the trans-European high speed rail system. The effect of this statutory instrument will be to regulate the interoperability of any high speed rail system being introduced in Ireland.
Statutory Instrument to transpose Commission Directive 2001/6 adopting for the third time Council Directive 96/49/EC on the transport of dangerous goods by rail. The effect of this statutory instrument will be to regulate the transport of dangerous goods by rail.
Statutory Instrument to transpose Council Directive 2001/12 amending Directive 91/440/EC on the development of the Community's railways. The effect of this Statutory Instrument will be to regulate the management of the railway infrastructure and rail transport activities.