Electricity Transmission.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007

Thursday, 6 December 2007

Ceisteanna (272)

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

272 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the stage the plans to transfer ownership of the electricity transmission system from ESB to Eirgrid are at; the timetable for the implementation of the transfer by end 2008 as stated in the programme for Government; if he has had recently or will hold in the near future meetings with ESB unions or the ESB ESOT to discuss issues arising from the transfer; and the outcome of talks that occurred. [33084/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Government Programme commits to the transfer of ownership of the electricity transmission network assets from ESB to EirGrid by end 2008. The mechanisms to implement the transfer to EirGrid of ownership of the assets comprise a range of legislative, commercial, legal and financial dimensions, which are currently under consideration by my Department.

I will be seeking Government approval to draft the necessary legislation. The Bill will include provisions enabling EirGrid to fulfil the requirements of the Transmission Asset Ownership function and undertake any necessary borrowing. The legislation is also likely to include a range of amendments to existing electricity legislation to fully reflect the new arrangement. The advice of the Attorney General on the precise parameters of the legislation will determine the scoping of legislation.

In line with successive Partnership Agreements, there will be a full process of engagement with the management and unions of both ESB and EirGrid on implementation of the transfer of the asset ownership function. The process will also include engagement on legitimate concerns of the ESB's Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT).

I met with the ESB Group of Unions on 23rd July in relation to the energy policy objectives set out in the Programme for Government and the Energy Policy White Paper which impact on ESB. In inviting the unions to meet me, it was my intention to hear any concerns that they might have on the issues and to provide a clear outline of my own position and that of the Government.

I have made it clear to the Group of Unions that I am willing to discuss constructively any legitimate issues of concern that they may have. I look forward to a positive process of engagement and to further meetings as appropriate with the Group of Unions.

Government policy is clear in relation to implementation of the decision in a way that ensures the future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable Semi State entities, as well as reflecting the position of the State and the ESOT as shareholders.