Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The brief details provided here indicate that she is eminently qualified to be chairperson. I am delighted to see that she speaks with a passion for the ESB. I believe I heard on the news this morning that approximately 15,000 homes are without supply. One recognises the good name and reputation of the ESB because most, if not all of those affected will have their electricity restored by this evening. Although we fall out with the ESB every now and again, most of us have a very high regard for the operations of the ESB.

Ms Graham spoke about the North-South interconnector and I will not go into detail on that. What are her thoughts on the potential for EU-wide electricity supply? What are her thoughts on microgeneration and particularly the cost of connections to the national grid? The cost of connections effectively means that we are dampening down the potential for microgeneration of electricity.

I am happy that Ms Graham mentioned affordability in her paper. All of us, as Deputies, come across people who just cannot afford the cost of electricity in their homes. I ask Ms Graham to talk about the role of the role of the ESB vis-à-visthe regulator in terms of affordability.

The next group to appear before the committee is an association set up to represent the owners of electric vehicles. It is unfortunate that the ESB will charge for electric vehicles. Is there any potential to re-examine that decision?

What is Ms Graham's view on the relationship between ESB management and the group of unions in the company?