Dr. Paul McGowan:

We did not enter into direct dialogue with the EPA on this issue because there were no red flags from our perspective regarding the environmental programme of the ESB. Typically, the ESB came to us and we identified whether it had justified the spending. For example, in PR3 we gave it an allowance which we considered sufficient for it to meet its environmental and safety obligations. We saw no requirement to liaise with other sectoral regulators. The ESB reported to us that it was substantially in compliance with its environmental obligations. Those reports were in respect of our role as economic regulator. We are aware that ESB Networks, like any other network operator, answers to the relevant environmental and safety regulator in respect of its statutory functions. At the time, there was no perceived need for us to liaise with the EPA. That said, we have a memorandum of understanding with the EPA regarding our respective roles and are aware that it is carrying out an investigation. In support of that, we have shared information we have with it. We will liaise with it to determine whether any further exchange of information is required to support its role or ours.