Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on recent criticisms by IBEC of the Government dividend that is taken annually from the ESB; the impact of the dividend on electricity prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34342/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of recent comments made by IBEC on dividends of semi-State companies. Decisions on annual dividend payments to shareholders are a matter for the board of ESB in the first instance. ESB operates in a fully liberalised competitive market and it is important that it is treated in all respects, including the dividend issue, as would be the case for its competitors. The determination of electricity prices is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, and not one in which I have a function. I understand there is no direct link between the CER's decision on prices and the ability of the ESB to pay dividends.