Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

What investigations have the Minister and his Department carried out into the situation both at Shannonbridge and Lanesboro? What is the timeline for getting West Offaly Power back into action and when can we expect the plant to be in action again? Has the Minister had discussions with management both in the ESB and Bord na Móna about the possible effects on employment in West Offaly Power and the Bord na Móna stations supplying it with peat? It is important to consider the potential knock-on effect for permanent and seasonal jobs in Bord na Móna as well as the jobs at West Offaly Power. I appreciate that there are commercial sensitivities involved, but my primary concern is for the job security of my hard-working constituents who have been loyal to the ESB and Bord na Móna in the past.

I am sure the Minister does not want to start his new term in office involved in arbitration between two companies under his control. He should address the issues I have raised. I would like him to confirm the expected date for the resumption of West Offaly Power. Will he also confirm that there will be no knock-on effects, either for the staff at West Offaly Power or the larger number of permanent and seasonal staff working for Bord na Móna? Their jobs are dependent on the last two remaining power stations under the control of the ESB. Edenderry Power also uses peat fuel.

I look forward to the Minister's response, although I do not need him to get into the technical details, which has been well explained to me already. I want him to answer the key issues as to who is responsible for the problems we are experiencing and when the plants will reopen. Will the Minister guarantee that there will be no job losses as a result of the current situation?

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