Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In general, there is an issue with increases, particularly the standing charges included in bills. Deputies receive many queries about the fixed charges included in bills over which customers have no control, particularly from hard-pressed people.

Media reports have stated that Bord Gáis staff could receive a potential windfall of between €40,000 and €60,000 depending on the sale price, which is to be welcomed from the point of view of long-standing employees. It has also been reported that this is not finalised, as negotiations are continuing between the unions and the Government over how the employees' stake will be treated once the company is split in two. I ask the Minister of State to comment on this. The Bill only deals with the technicalities of selling Bord Gáis Energy and does not address wider policy issues, including consumer protection.

A portion of the proceeds of the sale will be used to fund employment-enhancing projects. What projects does the Government have in mind? Has any decision been made on where the money will be allocated? Has any estimate been made of the number of people for whom these projects will be available to help them get back to work? For what other areas will the money be earmarked?

A positive aspect of the sale is that the money will be ring-fenced and will be invested in Irish jobs and the economy. It has been suggested that some of the money could be used to fund the national broadband plan. Broadband is a major reason Ireland has lost competitiveness as compared to other countries, particularly because broadband can be haphazard in rural areas. Will the Minister of State comment on this? The Government published a plan in August which stated that significant investment would be made in broadband and that a review was under way to determine the level of Government involvement needed and the areas that may need to be targeted with State-led investment. Is broadband an area which could benefit from this asset sale?

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