Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Correspondence.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

129 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will supply a copy of all correspondence between her Department and the European Commission, and between her Department and other Departments or State bodies, in relation to the public service obligation for Lanesborough and Shannonbridge peat fired power plants; and if she will supply documents held by her Department in relation to economic or socio-economic analysis of the PSO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6016/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have no difficulty in releasing to the Deputy any documents that are released or releasable under the Freedom of Information Act. In view of the volume of records mentioned in the question and the need to consider them against the standards of the FOI legislation, it would take considerable time and resources to process any such request.

I can advise the Deputy that my Department has received a request under the FOI Act in respect of the notification to the EU Commission of the public service obligation relating to the peat stations for Lanesboro and Shannonbridge. Processing of this application is at an advanced stage. I will be pleased to arrange for my Department to forward a copy of the material released to the Deputy as soon as the request has been fully processed.