John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputies on both sides for their contributions. I am grateful for the opportunity to conclude the Second Stage debate on the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Bill. This priority Bill is a key element among a suite of measures which will allow the Government to continue to drive forward a very progressive energy agenda. The enactment of the Bill will underpin the establishment of the single wholesale electricity market on the island of Ireland which will benefit consumers and enterprise, North and South.

I will briefly address some of the point raised in the debate. Deputy Durkan mentioned the development of renewables and the possible impact of interconnectors on this. I take this opportunity to remind the Deputy of the commitment already given by the Minister to enhance targets for developing renewable-based electricity generation as set out in the Green Paper on energy policy. I also point to the enhanced co-operation that now exists involving authorities on both sides of the Border which further enhance the prospects for the development of renewables on this island.

Deputies Durkan, Broughan, Finian McGrath, Eamon Ryan and Ó Fearghaíl raised the issue, and the importance, of consumers. The Bill ensures the interests of consumers will be foremost in the minds of the regulators. Section 9 of the Bill provides that the principal objective of the Minister, the regulator and the single electricity market committee is the protection of the interests of consumers, North and South. Deputy Durkan also raised the issue of grid development, microgeneration and ensuring appropriate plant mix into the future. As the Deputy is probably aware, a ground breaking study is being undertaken on an all-island basis on the future development of the grid. This study, which is due to be completed next year, is to determine the most likely generating technologies, particularly renewable technologies which will be available over the coming 15 to 20 years. It will also look at the most appropriate grid design to accommodate the technologies and will be used to determine policy in that context.

I should also mention that issues such as harmonisation of grid codes, generating adequacy statements, grid planning etc., will be dealt with on an all-island basis with the establishment of the single electricity market. Deputy Broughan was concerned that this was not provided for in the Bill but I point out that these issues do not need primary legislation and will occur through regulatory action and co-operation between the transmission systems.

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