Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
260. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current list of designated services of economic interest nationally as reported to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21199/24]
View answerMy Department serves as the national contact point at EU level on matters of State Aid policy. As part of this function, my officials collate and submit the report on the application of the State Aid rules for Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI) to the European Commission. The report is submitted every two years in accordance with the State Aid rules for SGEI. These reports are published by the European Commission on its legislation page for DG Competition.
The most recent report published by the Commission for Ireland listed three State Aid measures for the provision of Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI):
1. The provision of private health insurance cover under the conditions of community rating, open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefits is designated as part of the Health Insurance Risk Equalisation Scheme.
2. The building and the operation of two new peat-fired generation stations for security of electricity supply is designated for compensation under the Sale of State assets Scheme (State Aid Case number: SA. 37030). This Scheme was terminated in December 2019.
3. Finance for Housing - Housing Finance Agency lending to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for the provision of housing.
While the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment co-ordinates the report for Ireland, the management of the measures, including the designations as SGEI, is the responsibility of the relevant Government Department.
