Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:81 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her plans for the various public enterprises under her aegis in the wake of the downturn in world economies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29673/01]
Written Answers. - Economic Downturn.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is the responsibility of the boards and management of the various public enterprises concerned to assess the impact of the economic downturn on their operations and to put in place whatever measures are required to ensure that their long-term viability is sustained. Over the past four years I have worked to ensure that a secure platform for sustainable development has been built in each of the pivotal infrastructural sectors of transport, energy and communications. I am satisfied that this work has laid the foundations for further progress into the future and will help to underpin not only the survival but also the growth and increased competitiveness of these public enterprises.
In the transport area there has been unprecedented funding made available to secure the future of public transport both in Dublin and the regions. Significant investment has occurred at the State and regional airports. Luas light rail construction is under way and on target for completion by the promised date of October 2003. Electricity and aviation regulators are now in place. Full liberalisation has been effected in the telecommunications sector and has commenced in the electricity and gas sectors and will be fully effected by 2005. Great advances have been made in the roll out of digital broadband infrastructure to the regions. There is an unprecedented programme of investment in natural gas infrastructure that will bring both Corrib and imported gas to many new areas of the country as well as to existing customers.
I and the Government fully intend to press forward and build on these achievements in the coming years. I am confident that the public enterprises under my aegis are robust enough to withstand the effects of the downturn in world economies and will emerge leaner and more efficient to meet the challenges and exploit the opportunities when the upturn occurs.