John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the timetable for the plans to transfer ownership of the electricity transmission assets from ESB to Eirgrid; when he will be seeking Government approval to draft the necessary legislation; when he will publish the heads of Bill; when he will bring the legislation before Dáil Éireann; when he will begin to meet management and unions of the ESB and the ESB ESOT as part of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35484/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding plans to transfer ownership of the electricity transmission system from ESB to Eirgrid; the timetable for the implementation of the transfer by end 2008 as stated in the programme for Government; if he has had recently or will hold in the near future meetings with ESB unions or the ESB ESOP to discuss issues arising from the transfer; if his attention has been drawn to the reservations that surround this plan; the arrangements made to compensate the ESOP as a result of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35604/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 116 together.

The Programme for Government reaffirms the commitment in the Energy Policy White Paper to the transfer of ownership of the electricity transmission network assets from ESB to EirGrid by end 2008. The mechanisms to implement the transfer to EirGrid of ownership of the assets comprise a range of legislative, commercial, legal and financial dimensions, which are currently under consideration by my Department.

The drafting and publication of the necessary legislation is a key step in the process. I will be seeking Government approval to draft in the near future. The Bill will include provisions enabling EirGrid to fulfil the requirements of the Transmission Asset Ownership function and undertake any necessary borrowing. The legislation is also likely to include a range of amendments to existing electricity legislation to fully reflect the new arrangement. The advice of the Attorney General on the precise parameters of the legislation will determine the scoping of legislation.

In line with successive Partnership Agreements, there will be a full process of engagement with the management and unions of both ESB and EirGrid on implementation of the transfer of the asset ownership function. The process will also include engagement on legitimate concerns of the ESB's Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT).

I met with the ESB Group of Unions on 23rd July in relation to the energy policy objectives set out in the Programme for Government and the Energy Policy White Paper which impact on ESB.

I have made it clear to the Group of Unions that I am willing to discuss constructively any legitimate issues of concern that they may have. I look forward to a positive process of engagement and to further meetings as appropriate with the Group of Unions.

I intend meeting with the ESB's Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) early in 2008 on a range of issues, including the transfer of the transmission assets. As was the case in my meeting with the Group of Unions, I will be listening to any concerns that they might have on the issues and providing a clear outline of my own position and that of the Government.

Government policy is clear in relation to implementation of the transmission assets decision in a way that ensures the strategic future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable Semi State entities, as well as reflecting the position of the State and the ESOT as shareholders.