Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are very clear that we want to pursue the Celtic interconnector because, as the Deputy says, an interconnector with a non-member state is not as beneficial, even though it is an important connection and something we would continue to value. An interconnector to Europe would be very important for us. The Deputy expressed some wonder over whether disruption or market manipulation could occur in this event. He is probably right that it is unlikely. It is a fairly competitive market but to be assured that no manipulation of a market could occur in the event of a disorderly Brexit, we have been advised that it is prudent to give this power to the CRU so that it could manage the way different players operate within the market, should it need to.

While the Deputy is right to say that we supply the North, that is not to say that having the Celtic interconnector does not have mutual benefits because it does. It obviously permits both sides to have less standby capacity and it makes it easier to take renewables on board so it has benefits for everyone even though we are the net exporters in the present situation. That is the position.