Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the ESRI's recommendation that the ESB sell three or four of its power stations over the next five years in order to promote competition in the energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25016/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the ESRI recommendations. However, due to the significant impact any changes to the electricity sector can have on consumers and to the economic well-being of the country, it is important that any decisions regarding future structure are taken on the basis of robust, independent analysis and advice. As previously confirmed to the House, I have appointed Deloitte & Touche to carry out a detailed independent review of the electricity sector in Ireland. This is to include a detailed examination of ESB's vertically integrated utility structure and its dominance in the sector, particularly in the area of power generation.

The review is currently underway and I am expecting the final report by the end of this year. As part of this report, the consultants will be required to make specific recommendations as to the most appropriate institutional arrangements and company structures, including ownership models, for the ESB and, to the extent appropriate, for the electricity sector in general. If the recommendations are leading towards any change in the structure of ESB, I would expect them to be supported by a detailed business case for any proposals.