Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Departmental Bodies.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2008

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Ceisteanna (617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658)

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

713 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to An Post, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6576/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The board of An Post is made up of 15 members. Of these, the Chief Executive is an ex-officio board member by virtue of the position he or she holds. The Chairperson and seven Directors are appointed directly by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Postmaster Director (1) and Worker Directors (4) are elected by postmasters and An Post employees respectively, and are subsequently appointed to the board by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

714 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6577/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

716 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to RTÉ, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6579/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

717 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to TG4, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6580/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

718 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6581/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 716 to 718, inclusive, together.

The following table contains the information requested.

Name of Body

Number of Members

Appointed by

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland

10

Government

RTÉ

9

Government

TG4

9

Government

Broadcasting Complaints Commission

9

Government

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

715 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to The Digital Hub Development Agency, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6578/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

In accordance with Section 15 of the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003, there are 14 members of the Digital Hub Development Agency board, including the Chief Executive. The members, other than the Chief Executive, are appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Questions Nos. 716 to 718, inclusive, answered with Question No. 714.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

719 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to ESB, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6582/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Board of ESB comprises 12 members, eight of whom are appointed by Government and 4 of whom are elected employee members, appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

720 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to EirGrid, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6583/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

721 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Bord Gáis, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

723 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Bord na Móna, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

724 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Irish National Petroleum Corporation Limited, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6587/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

725 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to the National Oil Reserves Agency, the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6588/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to take Questions Nos. 720, 721 and 723 to 725, inclusive, together.

EirGrid

The Board of EirGrid has a total of eight members. Seven of the members are appointed by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, under Part 11 (53) of Statutory Instrument 445 of 2000. The Chief Executive is also a member of the Board under Part 11 (51) (1) (b) of Statutory Instrument 445 of 2000.Bord Gáis Eireann

The Board of Bord Gáis Éireann has a total of nine members including the Chief Executive Officer. All the members are appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance under the First Schedule of the Gas Act, 1976 (Section 5), as amended.

Bord na Móna plc

The Board of Bord na Móna has a total of twelve directors. Seven are appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance under Section 18(2) of the Turf Development Act 1998. Four are elected by the employees of Bord na Móna and appointed by the Minister under Section 18(6) in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Acts 1977 to 1993.

The Managing Director is also a director of the Board and is appointed by the Board under Section 26(3) of the Turf Development Act 1998.

Irish National Petroleum Corporation

Article 82 of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. provides that the number of Directors (including the Chairman of the Board of Directors) shall be not less than four or more than eleven. The members of the Board include the Chief Executive of the Company, all other members being appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance under Article 83 of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

National Oil Reserves Agency

The National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 (the NORA Act) provides that the principal object of the National Oil Reserves Agency (the Agency) is to perform the functions assigned to it by or under the Act, including functions of

(a) maintaining, in accordance with Part 4 of the Act, oil stocks,

(b) providing, on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister, advice, information or guidance to the Minister on any matter relating to the holding of oil stocks,

(c) collecting and recovering the NORA levy,

(d) providing, as the Agency considers appropriate, such consultancy, advisory, technical assistance and contract services (including research and training services) in the State or elsewhere, on any matter relating to the Agency's stockholding functions, and

(e) representing, at the request of the Minister, a Minister of the Government at meetings of international bodies in so far as meetings relate to the holding of oil stocks.

Under Section 14 (1) of the NORA Act 2007 the NORA board of directors is to consist of not more than five directors, including the Chief Executive who, by virtue of that office, is also a director. All other members are appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Prior to the establishment of NORA as a stand alone body under the NORA Act 2007, the directors of NORA were appointed by the Irish National Petroleum Corporation of which the Agency was a subsidiary company. All future appointments to the NORA board will be made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, in accordance with the NORA Act 2007.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

722 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Commission for Energy Regulation, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Commission for Energy Regulation was established under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. It is comprised of commission members rather than board members. Under the Act the Commission shall consist of at least one but not more than three members, each of whom shall be appointed by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Commission currently has two members and one vacancy, which is in the process of being filled.

Questions Nos. 723 to 725, inclusive, answered with Question No. 720.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

726 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Sustainable Energy Ireland, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6589/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Appointments to the Board are made in accordance with the requirements of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002 (No. 2 of 2002).

The Board consists of 12 members, 11 of whom are appointed by Ministerial direction, plus the Chief Executive who is an ex- officio member.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

727 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Mining Board, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6593/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Mining Board consists of a chairperson and two ordinary members, who are appointed by me, under Section 33(3) of the Minerals Development Act 1940.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

728 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6595/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, is a North South Body, which was set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999 and is still in existence.

The Act provided for the setting up of a North South Body, which would take over the functions of the Foyle Fisheries Commission and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. While the Loughs Agency took over the functions of the Foyle Fisheries Commission, the transfer of the Commissioners of Irish Lights functions did not proceed.

The Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission is responsible for the conservation, protection and improvement of the fisheries in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. It is required to promote the development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in the area of marine, fishery and aquaculture matters, including the development and the licensing of aquaculture.

The Body has a Board of 12 members including a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The members are appointed by the North South Ministerial Council on a joint Northern Ireland/Ireland basis. Six members are nominated from Ireland and six from Northern Ireland.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

729 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Radió na Gaeltachta; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6596/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

742 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of DTT Network Company; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6612/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

750 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

751 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of RTÉ Music Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

752 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of RTÉ Transmission Network Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to take Questions Nos. 729, 742 and 750 to 752, inclusive, together.

The information requested by the Deputy relates to subsidiary companies of RTÉ and Raidió na Gaeltachta. RTÉ was established under the Broadcasting Acts, 1960 to 2007, and is an independent statutory body. Board membership is a matter for RTÉ and I have no function in the matter.

Name of company

Date of Establishment

Purpose

Raidió na Gaeltachta

1971

Raidió na Gaeltachta is part of RTÉ, is not a subsidiary and therefore has no legal standing in its own right. Raidió na Gaeltachta’s remit is to provide a national Irish Language radio service as part of RTE’s public service broadcasting remit — for the people of the Gaeltacht and also for Irish speakers nationwide.

DTT Network Company

30 July 1999

Currently dormant, originally for enhancement of existing analogue network and development of digital transmission services

RTE Commercial Enterprises Ltd

15 Feb 1990

Publications and other commercial activities

RTE Music Ltd

28 October 1968 (originally called Irish and Evergreen Limited purchased by RTÉ 18th Mar 1992 and renamed) RTÉ Music Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Limited.

Music publishing

RTE Transmission Network Ltd

10 Dec 2002

Management of transmission network assets

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

730 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Advisory Committee on InfoComms; if this committee is still in existence; the purpose and role of this committee; the number of members of the board of this committee; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Advisory Committee on InfoComms was established by the Minister for Public Enterprise in June 2001. The Committee was charged with advising on a strategy to position Ireland as a key global centre in advanced information and communications technology. The Committee reported in 2002 and is no longer in existence. The Committee had 9 members.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

731 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Energy Advisory Board; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6600/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Energy Advisory Board was a non-statutory advisory committee, which met during the period of the Department of Public Enterprise to advise the Minister on general energy matters. This advisory committee is no longer in existence.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

732 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of An Post Working Group; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6602/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The working group referred to by the Deputy is the Post Office Working Group, which no longer exists. The role of this group was to determine a basis for the sustainable operation of the post office network and to prepare a report on this subject. The group comprised of officials from the following Departments: the Department of Public Enterprise (now the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources); the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (now the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food); the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs (now the Department of Social and Family Affairs); the Department of Environment and Local Government (now the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government); the Department of the Taoiseach; and the Department of Finance.

The group was assisted by external consultants, PricewaterhouseCoopers and issued its report entitled Report of the Post Office Working Group on 23 July 2001.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

733 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Telecoms Strategy Group; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6603/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Telecoms Strategy Group was established in November 2002 by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The key objectives of the group were: to formulate an agreed goal for the development of the telecommunications sector in Ireland; to ensure greater competition and wider choice in the delivery of high bandwidth/advanced data services to industry and to society at large; to develop measures to ensure a competitive environment underpinned by a regulatory regime which actively promoted competition and investment in networks, applications and services; and to expand the scope and availability of eGovernment services and to foster other broadband demand stimulation initiatives.

The then Minister appointed 13 board members to the group comprising of six Government officials and 7 members of the telecommunications industry. In February 2005 they issued a report entitled, "Ensuring Broadband Ireland". The Committee is no longer in existence.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

734 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Aurora Telecom Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6604/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

735 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE Finance Plc; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6605/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

736 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (IOM) Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6606/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

737 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (NI) Distribution Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6607/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

738 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (NI) Supply Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6608/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

739 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (UK) Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6609/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

740 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of CM Power Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6610/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

741 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Conservation Energy Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6611/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

745 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Gate Power Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

747 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Natural Gas Finance Co. Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

748 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Platin Power Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

749 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Platin Power Trading Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

753 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Sudanor Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

754 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Utility Grid Installations Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 734 to 741, inclusive, 745, 747 to 749, inclusive, 753 and 754 together.

Utility Grid Installations Limited and Bord Gáis Éireann's (BGÉ) share in CM Power were disposed of during 2006. These companies are no longer part of the BGÉ group. The following table sets out details of the other companies as requested by the Deputy:

Name of Company

Date of Establishment

Purpose

Aurora Telecom Limited

1998

To provide telecommunications infrastructure

BGÉ Finance Plc

2002

A requirement of a proposed financial transaction

BGE (IOM) Ltd

2003

Part of a project finance arrangement relating to the Interconnector Spurline to the Isle of Man

BGÉ (NI) Distribution Limited (renamed firmus energy (Distribution) Limited)

2005

For the distribution of natural gas in Northern Ireland

BGÉ (NI) Supply Limited (renamed firmus energy (Supply) Limited)

2005

For the supply of natural gas in Northern Ireland

BGÉ (UK) Limited

1993

To construct, own and operate transmission pipelines in the UK

Conservation Engineering Limited

1993

For the purpose of manufacturing combined heat and power

Gate Power Limited

1996

To operate a combined heat and power plant

Natural Gas Finance Co. Ltd

1984

To provide finance to Bord Gáis customers

Platin Power Limited

2003

A joint venture between BGÉ and Scottish and Southern Electricity Limited in anticipation of a joint venture development of a power plant in County Louth

Platin Power Trading Limited

2003

In anticipation of a joint venture development of a power plant in County Louth

Sudanor Limited

1993

A requirement of a financial transaction

As all of these companies are subsidiaries of BGÉ. The question on board membership is a matter for the board of BGÉ and the respective company.

All of the companies listed in the table are 100% owned by BGÉ, other than Gatepower in which it has a 70% share.

Questions Nos. 742 answered with Question No. 729.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

743 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Digital Media Development Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Digital Media Development Limited (DMDL) was established on 28th March 2000 and was dissolved in July 2003 when the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) Act 2003 was enacted. The company was 100% State owned. The purpose and role of DMDL was to develop the Digital Hub project. This is now the responsibility of the DHDA. There were eight original members of the Board all of whom were appointed by the Taoiseach.

Responsibility for the DMDL transferred to the Department of Public Enterprise in 2001. Following the formation of the Government in 2002 and reassignment of Ministerial duties, responsibility for DMDL rested with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, who made one additional appointment to the board. The Chief Executive was an ex officio member of the board.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

744 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of ESB International; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

ESB International (ESBI) was established on 28/11/1988 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB).

ESBI is responsible for the non-regulated businesses in the ESB Group. The company builds, owns and operates power stations, as well as providing a wide range of engineering and consultancy services to client in the power sector worldwide. The company is divided into the following four main business areas, ESB Independent Generation, ESB Independent Energy, ESBI Investment and ESBI Engineering and Facility Management.

ESBI does not have a board. The three directors of the company are appointed by the Board of ESB. All equity in ESBI is held by ESB.

Question No. 745 answered with Question No. 734.

Leo Varadkar

Ceist:

746 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Media Lab Europe; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/08]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Media Lab Europe (MLE) was established as a company in May 2000 and was a collaborative venture between the Irish Government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Modelled on the Media Laboratory at MIT, MLE was established as a hybrid between academia and the corporate world, to create a unique new centre of research in digital technologies.

The Board of MLE was jointly appointed by the Government and MIT, with three Board members appointed by MIT, 3 members appointed by the Government, and three members appointed jointly by MIT and the Government.

I have no equity in MLE, which closed in 2004.

Questions Nos. 747 to 749, inclusive, answered with Question No. 734.
Questions Nos. 750 to 752, inclusive, answered with Question No. 729.
Questions Nos. 753 and 754 answered with Question No. 734.
Barr
Roinn