Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Is it not the case that the ESB makes the vast majority of its profits in the transmission network area? Regarding the transmission and distribution systems, is there not a real concern that the company's profits are being sheltered in a non-competitive area? This is another reason separation of ownership would favour open and honest competition and my colleague Deputy Broughan might find this interesting.

Regarding social justice, does the Minister agree the high cost of transmission and distribution, which apply as a fixed cost to low energy users, typically those on lower incomes, is the real scandal in the current high cost of energy? On the grounds of social justice it is essential we separate ownership to help those experiencing fuel poverty. Regardless of ideology, nobody in this House, even the most rabid Progressive Democrats existing within Fianna Fáil, is talking about the sale of the transmission network to the private sector given the disastrous consequences of the sale of a similar wired network in telecommunications.

I will return to my original question, having posed some questions on the side. Why does this legislation not provide for EirGrid's ownership of the transmission network? If it cannot apply to the existing transmission network it should, at least, apply to the new transmission network under construction.

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