As the Deputy will be aware, the NewERA unit was established within the National Treasury Management Agency in 2011 to reform the manner in which Government manages the commercial semi-State companies. NewERA will initially undertake the corporate governance function, from a shareholder perspective and reporting to relevant ministers, of ESB, Bord Gáis Éireann, EirGrid, Bord na Móna and Coillte. Its role will be , inter alia, to advise on matters such as the appropriate dividend for the State’s investment.
In reply to the Deputy's question, I have not requested that the commercial semi State companies pay an increased dividend to the State in 2012. However, the Government has agreed that my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and with the advice of NewERA and the Commission for Energy Regulation, will review the dividend policy in relation to ESB with a view to securing a greater return on the State's equity in future years.