Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have had occasion, although not on this particular point, to have a different matter examined for me which parallels the point being made by Deputy Naughten. The advice I received from the Office of the Attorney General is that the purpose of this Bill is solely to facilitate the disposal of the energy business of Bord Gáis Éireann. Deputy Naughten has raised an interesting point that has already been raised about disparate control and ownership of the telecommunications network. We are taking great pains to ensure that in this case the networks are retained in State ownership.

As regards the Deputy's point on the telecommunications infrastructure, a few months ago we commissioned consultants to engage in a detailed mapping exercise of that part of the country that does not currently have a competitive service. In other words, the parts of the country the commercial sector has not provided quality broadband and is not likely to, as a commercial proposition. Therefore, in order to comply with European conditions in respect of State intervention, we have to engage in a detailed mapping exercise. That is being conducted on our behalf to the stage of mounting the procurement proposal that will go to Brussels. We could address the issue raised by the Deputy in that context.

There is a clear distinction, which ironically is a lesson arising from the telecommunications sector in terms of what happened when the government of the day sold Telecom Éireannn lock, stock and barrel. It had the effect of minimising investment in broadband at a critical time. As a result we have today's situation. However, the Attorney General has advised that the purpose of this Bill is to facilitate the sale of the energy business of Bord Gáis. It does not interfere with the networks. It strips out the networks, including Aurora Telecom.