Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2011
157 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress he has made on restructuring State companies and strengthening regulatory arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40067/11]
View answer158 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe he is considering for the proposed sale of each State asset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40068/11]
View answer159 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if core transmission assets in gas and electricity will be considered as part of the disposal of State assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40069/11]
View answer160 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the State assets he will be discussing with the troika as part of the programme of disposal of State assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40070/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 160, inclusive, together.
The EU/IMF Programme for Ireland contains a commitment that the Government will outline methods to raise funds through disposals of State owned assets.
The Government is continuing its discussions with the Troika of EU, IMF and ECB on the scope for utilising proceeds from any future disposal of non-strategic assets to invest in economic renewal, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. A full evaluation of the optimum approach, to be taken to the sale of a minority stake in ESB, as has been decided by the Government, is being progressed by a group co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A separate inter Departmental Group is evaluating the approaches to developing a programme of disposal of non-strategic State assets. The reports of both groups which have been finalised will inform further consideration by the Government of its approach to all the issues inherent in divestment of State assets.
In accordance also with the EU/IMF Programme an independent assessment (being undertaken by the International Energy Agency) of the efficiency of the gas and electricity sectors will inform considerations as to any necessary strengthening of the energy regulatory regime in the coming months. The gas and electricity transmissions networks are key strategic State assets and their retention in at least majority State control is a critical determinant of any decisions in relation to possible further disposals of State assets.
