Mr. Seamus O'Loughlin:

The programme finished up by pointing out that it had always been my intention to be part of the solution. Where I was allowed act on any of the issues I brought to the table, those actions have been successful. I suppose I bridged the gap. I was a front-line staff member. I have been in a cable joint where a cable exploded. I have fallen down a pole. I have walked in the shoes of the front-line staff. I am good at interpreting what they say, debunking the stuff that is vexatious and bringing legitimate issues up the line. I want to be part of the cultural change that has to happen in the company. I said in my opening statement that I do not take any delight in having to come up here today and wash the dirty linen of a company. The ESB will be an integral part of the climate challenge the country faces, which involves looking at electricity issues. The more fair-minded people within the company who have reached out to me since the programme have said I have done the country and the company a massive service. We no longer have to pretend about the fluid-filled cables. There is far greater rigour with respect to SF6 gas. My understanding is that all the issues I have raised have been acted on since January in a meaningful manner. If this matter had been embraced two to three years ago, we would never ended up here. Representatives of the ESB will appear before the committee after me. I know the individuals who will be on the other side of the table. There needs to be some resolution on the interpersonal issues.