Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose to accept this amendment because the directions of the commission referred to in the proposed new section 9B(3)(b) of the 1999 Act relate to the operation and management of the single electricity market and some other day-to-day matters, including the power to direct the transmission system operator to undertake specific expenditure on the single electricity market. The directions in question also include directions aimed at resolving disputes between the transmission system operator and other persons, directions relating to transmission planning matters and directions concerning the infrastructure agreement with the transmission system operator. The Oireachtas has already decided that the regulator is responsible for all of those matters.

The Minister has no role in such day-to-day market operational issues. Therefore, this amendment is inappropriate and unnecessary. In some instances, it would mean that the Minister would have to try to run the electricity system. I would pass on that one, with all due respect to my enormous capabilities.