Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2017
230. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide the full remit of Bord Gáis in terms of gas safety, including any responsibility with regard to gas leaks, meter replacement and gas supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2038/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), formerly Bord Gáis Éireann, which is a commercial State-sponsored Body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. GNI is the operator of the gas transmission and distribution networks. It does not engage in the sale of gas to customers. Its functions in relation to safety are provided for in the Gas Act 1976, as amended by the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.
Gas Networks Ireland holds both Asset Owner and Asset Operator Licences for the Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution networks. These licences are granted by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), the independent energy regulator. Gas Networks Ireland’s obligations under the licences are extensive and include responsibility, inter alia, for ensuring overall standards and performance of the transmission and distribution systems, managing all connections to the networks, providing metering and data services, adhering to system standards and operating security standards, procuring the management of the customer service code and safety matters.
Responsibility for the regulation of the gas markets including safety, metering and supply is a matter for the CER. The Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 provides for CER’s independence in the performance of its regulatory functions, and for its accountability for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas. Accordingly, I have no function in the areas referred to.
