Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 342: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Electricity (Transfer of Assets) Bill is expected to be published; if the Government is still committed to transferring ownership of the electricity transmission assets from the ESB to Eirgrid; if not, the reasons for the change of policy; if so, if he will supply an updated detailed timetable of the steps which will lead to that transfer, including whether it will be achieved by end 2008 as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will provide details of all meetings held and planned with ESB management, unions, and ESOT. [7031/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. There has been no departure from that position. 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. 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).

A number of meetings have already taken place with the various stakeholders 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 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 relevant parties.

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.