Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I propose to take Question Nos. 10 and 12 together.

The Government has decided that Bord Gáis Éireann's energy business will be part of the assets disposal programme.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to retaining the gas networks and interconnectors in State ownership as strategic infrastructure which is fundamental to Ireland's security of energy supply and the economy.

BGE is a strong and dynamic State company. The success of Bord Gáis Energy demonstrates BGE's capacity to develop new and efficient businesses for the benefit of Irish consumers as well as for the State, as the shareholder.

The recent decision to establish Irish Water within the group reflects the Government's confidence in BGE. BGE's experience in the key areas of raising finance, operating and investing in critical network infrastructure and delivering excellent customer service, will be effectively deployed in the successful establishment and operation of Irish Water.

My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, have advised that an implementation strategy for Irish Water is being developed by his Department. The strategy will be finalised over the next month or so in collaboration with BGE, all relevant Departments, including my Department, as well as the local authorities, and with the advice of NewERA.

In parallel, a group comprising my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA is working to progress all policy, regulatory, legislative and financial, to be addressed as part of preparing for the disposal of Bord Gáis Energy.

The Departments, NewERA and BGE are fully cognisant of the need to ensure that the work on the sale of Bord Gáis Energy and the establishment of the water company are progressed concurrently and to schedule. The Government will be briefed on a regular basis on progress on both fronts.

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