Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The autumn list of upcoming legislation clearly stated the electricity (transfer of transmission assets) Bill was to be published in 2008, as is consistent with the programme for Government. The Government now says it is not possible to indicate when it will be published. Does this reflect a change in Government policy regarding the structural separation of the ESB and EirGrid? There is genuine concern relating to this matter and I ask the Taoiseach to clarify the situation.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Cowen, made comments at a meeting of Finance Ministers in Brussels yesterday that seemed to water down the European Commission's proposals on targets for the reduction of carbon emissions before 2020. What is the Government's position on the European Commission's proposal that Ireland reduce its 2005 carbon emissions by 20% by 2020?

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