Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I move amendment No. 57:

In page 19, line 7, after "electricity"" to insert the following:

"and to introduce a new definition: 'Eirgrid' which means the transmission system operator".

This amendment, as with a series of amendments to follow, forms part of a range of amendments I am introducing to this Bill with the intention of providing for a much greater separation. In some cases this is legal ownership separation, but it also relates to definitions etc. between EirGrid and the ESB. That is increasingly seen as an essential development to ensure a competitive and open electricity sector.

Although it may not be of major consequence by itself in terms of setting the definition, we should, wherever possible in this and other Bills, look to separate EirGrid from the ESB to help us bring down prices of electricity and provide a more open and competitive electricity market.

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