Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that current available generating capacity is adequate to meet requirements; if he proposes changes to ensure continuity of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Security of electricity supply is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation under Article 28 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005.

In the performance of its monitoring and corrective functions the Commission is advised by ESB National Grid-EirGrid as the transmission system operator. The transmission system operator's report on generation adequacy 2006-2012 has indicated that the margin between capacity and demand is tighter than normal this winter.

In the medium term the generation adequacy position should be manageable from 2006 to 2008 provided new generation plant comes on stream as scheduled, plant availability performance improves and there are no unexpected closures of existing plant. The conclusion of the TSO is that in 2009 and beyond the addition of new generation capacity would be prudent. The importance of improving plant availability is emphasised in the report.

External generation can make a significant contribution to capacity in the future through the planned new North-South and east-west interconnectors. There is no room for complacency in relation to either plant capacity in the medium term and plant availability performance in the short term. I will look to the Commission for Energy Regulation and the transmission system operator to keep me regularly advised on the results of ongoing monitoring and analysis.