Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the recent comments by Mr. David Hanson MP, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office regarding the future position of the ESB in the all-island market will affect the development of plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20634/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the statement made by Minister Hanson in the course of the recent Westminster Debate. There are market power considerations to be addressed both North and South in the creation of the single wholesale electricity market, which is acknowledged by both sides.

Both Governments have jointly set out their ambitions for the all island Energy Market in the All-island Energy Market Development Framework, published in 2004. The key immediate priority within the Framework is to deliver the all-island wholesale electricity market by 1 July 2007. That work is intensively underway.

Implementation of the Single electricity market by July 2007 presents a range of complex challenges for the two Regulators, the two Transmission System Operators, market participants North and South as well as the two Departments. Both Governments are committed to ensuring that the requisite legislation is in place to underpin the new market. Following Government approval for the priority drafting of the Single Electricity Market Bill, work is proceeding intensively and in consultation with Northern Ireland colleagues to progress the legislation to schedule.