Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

As the Deputy is aware, I have responsibility for a range of commercial semi-State bodies. These companies play critical roles in the economy by providing essential infrastructure and services to consumers and enterprises. They are also significant employers and most of them contribute substantial dividends to the Exchequer.

The major energy utility companies referred to by the Deputy, ESB and Bord Gáis Energy, BGE, are key contributors to the achievement of the Government's energy policy objectives. These objectives are fully in line with EU energy policy objectives. The State utilities are collectively committed to decarbonising the energy system in support of our smart economy. They ensure security of supply to the economy, business and domestic consumers through investment programmes in the energy networks and power generation, including major renewable energy investments. The supply businesses of ESB and BGE have also contributed to the much more competitive regime now operating in the electricity and gas markets.

The Deputy is aware of the review group on State assets and liabilities, chaired by Professor Colm McCarthy. Along with officials from my Department, I have met the review group, with which I had a wide-ranging and useful discussion. I expect the group will report to Government around the end of the year. In this context, the recently published national recovery plan indicates that the Government will consider the disposal of assets. The work of the review group presents an opportunity to examine existing structures and practices within the State ownership model, and to assess how best these valuable assets can contribute to national investment priorities and help restore growth.

I agree that given the current economic situation and the severe pressures on the public finances, consideration should be given to making the best use of State assets, including their possible disposal or part disposal. The consideration must be a fully balanced one which takes account of wider policy considerations and, in the specific case of our State energy companies, the vital role they are playing to deliver policy objectives such as security of supply, competitiveness and promotion of renewable energy. I am not in favour of any measures that will undermine the significant progress made to date in network and power generation investment and offering meaningful choice to business and domestic consumers. I remain of the view that State ownership of the energy companies was and will remain a key element in achieving these objectives.

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