Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the preparedness of his Department and Ireland for the opening of the all-island energy market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23125/07]

Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the progress of the single electricity market which is due to come on stream on 1 November 2007. [23218/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 179 together.

Preparations are fully in train for the establishment of the Single Electricity Market and actual market trials are underway by the industry North and South in the run-up to the actual commencement date for the market. The market is on track to 'go-live' on 1 November 2007. A formal decision in that regard is to be taken by the two Regulatory Authorities North and South by mid October.

My Department officials are continuing to work intensively with their Northern Ireland counterparts in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry on the administrative matters that need to be finalised in advance of the 'go-live' date. These include finalisation of the relevant commencement orders in relation to the respective primary legislation and conclusion of the formal appointment process of the Members of the statutory Single Electricity Market Committee. The Committee will have legal responsibility for the joint regulation of the Single Electricity market on behalf of the two regulatory authorities North and South. The Committee will comprise representatives of the two Regulatory Authorities as well as an Independent and Deputy Independent Member.