John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

The wording in section 9 of the Bill reflects the need to ensure all reasonable demands for electricity are met. This is meant to exclude demands that may in some way be unreasonable and, therefore, impossible for the State to meet. Accordingly, acceptance of the amendment could expose the State to the risk of being sued for not discharging a requirement beyond its control. It should be noted that the current provisions of the Bill are consistent with the wording of the relevant Internal Market directive. Therefore, I do not accept the amendment.

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