Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The more fundamental reform that is required is to the ratio of costs or the manner in which they are dealt with under our regulatory framework, the role of the CRU and so forth. In our view, that must be reformed. There is no question but that repairs will be necessary. We will then look at how those costs can be apportioned. A more fundamental point is that we are going to need very significant investment in the grid. I gave the Deputy a figure of €5 billion for the five years to 2025. It is estimated that what will be needed from 2025 to 2030 will be of the magnitude of €13 billion. We will examine the degree to which the Exchequer can take some of the burden of that cost. That will have to happen. We need to reform the regulatory framework that is in place. We will gladly take any ideas on that. We have our own ideas. They are in the programme for Government.

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