Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which it is intended to ensure adequacy or security of supply in the context of the future development of the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20742/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Security of supply in relation to electricity is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005. These Regulations give the CER formal responsibility in law for security of supply of electricity with powers to act to secure and enhance supply.

The CER has been empowered to take any measures necessary to protect security of supply. In particular, it can host a competition to acquire the necessary generation or it can direct the Transmission System Operator (TSO), ESB or any licensed undertaking to implement any arrangements that the CER considers necessary to protect the security of supply. Possible future directions for the electricity sector, in light of all relevant considerations, will be set out in the Energy Policy Green Paper which will be published mid-year.