Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

——predict that nobody else would have seen it. Many journalists have asked me about its contents. The Deputy can ask the journalists. They have heard nothing from me.

On ownership of the grid, security of supply, the experience with Eircom etc., in my Energy Ireland speech a few weeks ago I clearly stated the importance of maintaining the grid and the transmission lines in public ownership, whether that is in a semi-State company like the ESB or in a separate company. The Government is determined they will stay in public ownership and will not go to a private company at any stage. From the point of view of security of supply and competitiveness it is extremely important that no single player has control over the transmission system to block others out and prevent competition etc. I can give the Deputy absolute assurance that there is no fear of the grid going into private ownership at any stage.

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