Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

In the Minister's reply, he did not refer specifically to whether he, his Department or the Government intend to privatise the generating capacity of the ESB. Has he discussed that matter with the ESB and its group of unions? In his discussions with them, to what extent has he discussed the grid's stability in the context of the separation announced in the White Paper, given that the ESB will be solely concerned with generation and EirGrid with transmission? Has he investigated the degree to which EirGrid's transmission capacity must be enhanced, does that enhancement entail interconnectors and what agreement has been reached regarding the interconnectors?

In the context of the discussions, has the Minister examined the potential electricity generating strength of the various contributors to EirGrid? Has he and his Department measured their strength to ensure the guaranteed security and stability of the grid? Has he or his Department identified the full extent of the consumer benefit likely to flow? Regarding the transfer of assets to EirGrid, has full and final agreement been reached with the ESB in respect of any transfer of money that might be deemed to be required or is it a paper transfer?

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