Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on his intention to transfer the ownership of the transmission assets from ESB to EirGrid; the timeframe for publication of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10558/08]

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed timetable of the steps which will lead to the transfer of ownership of electricity transmission assets from the ESB to EirGrid by the end of 2008 as stated in the programme for Government; if a complete transfer of ownership of all assets is still planned; the plans he has in place to ensure the strategic future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable semi-State entities as stated in a previous reply; the factors he sees as possibly affecting the strategic future in the case of the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10684/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 108 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 Government has also reaffirmed that we will keep the electricity and gas networks as strategic national assets in state ownership and these assets will never be privatised. Transfer to EirGrid, the State's Transmission System Operator, of ownership of the assets will have a range of legislative, commercial, legal and financial dimensions, and also involves a comprehensive process of consultation and engagement with ESB and EirGrid management and unions.

The drafting and publication of the necessary legislation will be a key step in the process and will be the subject of a full Regulatory Impact Analysis. 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, as will the outcome of the Regulatory Impact Analysis. In line with successive Partnership Agreements, I am firmly committed to a full process of transparent and meaningful engagement with the management and unions of both ESB and EirGrid on all issues inherent in implementation of the transfer of the asset ownership function. This process is ongoing and will also include engagement on legitimate concerns of the ESB's Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT). These direct stakeholders all have pivotal roles to play in the process of engagement and in achieving outcomes, which are satisfactory for all parties concerned and in the interests of the economy and consumers.

Government policy is clear in relation to ensuring the strategic future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong viable Semi State entities with key roles to play in delivering national objectives for emissions reduction, renewables and energy efficiency as well as security of supply and competitiveness.