Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2013
174. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans regarding any potential sale of Bord Gáis Energy; if he will be able to keep the company within State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24589/13]
View answerThe sale of Bord Gáis Éireann’s energy business is part of the Government’s State assets disposal programme and is being pursued as a commitment under the EU/IMF Programme and as provided for in the Programme for Government. The sale process was formally launched by Bord Gáis Éireann on 3 May last and it is expected that the sale will be concluded by the end of this year.
The Government is committed to retaining the Bord Gáis’ gas networks along with the two gas interconnectors in State ownership as national strategic infrastructure, critical for the delivery of secure, sustainable and competitive energy supplies. I believe that the sale of Bord Gáis Energy can deliver positive outcomes for Ireland’s energy markets, for Bord Gáis Éireann and its employees.
