James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to share time with Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, a Minister who adopts a hands-on approach to any portfolio he holds. He is very approachable for all colleagues in the House.

The Gas Regulation Bill 2013 is part of the process for the disposal of State assets and being pursued as a commitment under the EU-IMF programme which was agreed by the previous Government. The sale could generate proceeds of approximately €1.5 billion, although this has been disputed by some colleagues in the Technical Group. Deputy Clare Daly spoke about vultures hanging around to purchase, while Deputy Finian McGrath put a different valuation on the assets when he undervalued this very valuable asset.

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