I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 38, 54 and 59 together.
Future possible directions for the electricity sector, taking into account all relevant considerations including the development of the all-island Single Electricity Market, competition, security of supply, generation adequacy and consumer needs, will be articulated in the forthcoming Energy Policy Green Paper. The Green Paper, informed by the Deloitte & Touche report, among other contributions, will confirm the need for change, over time, in the electricity sector and considers the role of ESB in that regard.
As I indicated recently, the Government recognises the strategic value of maintaining the ESB as a strong and commercially viable company into the future. The retention of natural monopoly networks including the grid, in State ownership, is also a core policy tenet for the Government. I have stated that the Government does not in any circumstances favour the privatisation or atomisation of ESB. EirGrid has been fully established operationally as the national independent Electricity Transmission Operator with effect from 1st July.
Future market structures will need to take account of the reluctance of independent generators to enter the market on foot of the perceived and actual dominance of ESB. They will also reflect the creation of the Single Electricity Market from July 2007 under the all-island energy framework. The Single Electricity Market will be both a driver and enabler of further change.
In regard to my contacts with ESB Board management and staff, these are an ongoing part of my role as Minister, and that of my Department, with responsibility for the corporate governance of the ESB. On the particular issue of the future development of the company, I can confirm that representatives of the ESB unions, along with ICTU representatives, last week made a presentation to me on their joint submission to the Deloitte & Touche Review. I expect that both management and staff will take the opportunity presented by publication of the Green Paper to provide further input on this issue.