Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated cost of commissioning independent consultants and a senior independent chair, to carry out a technical and economic analysis of the transmission assets transfer to Eirgrid; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33485/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I refer the Deputy to my statement of 13 March on the future of Ireland's electricity sector. In that statement I affirmed the Government's decision in the Energy Policy White Paper and the Programme for Government, to transfer the ownership of the electricity transmission assets from ESB to EirGrid.

The unbundling of the transmission assets involves the resolution of complex technical, financial and operational issues as well as the introduction of legislation. The process will take us beyond the original target date of the end of 2008, as all the parties concerned are aware.

In the context, not least, of wide-ranging challenging priorities for ESB and EirGrid, I have proposed that we commission an independent analysis of the transmission transfer, including costs, benefits and regulatory impact assessment, set in the context also of EU developments and the all island single electricity market.

I have consistently underlined the need for transparent and inclusive engagement with all relevant stakeholders in the process of implementing Government policy in relation to the electricity transmission assets.

Input to the process of independent analysis will accordingly be invited from the direct key stakeholders. These are the management and unions of ESB and EirGrid, the ESB Employee Share Ownership Trust, as well as the Commission for Energy Regulation and the Department of Finance.

All the direct stakeholders have pivotal roles to play in the process of engagement and analysis and in achieving outcomes that are good for EirGrid and ESB, which are satisfactory for all parties concerned, and which are in the best interests of the economy and consumers.

It is not possible at this stage to provide an estimate of the likely cost of the independent analysis process. I look forward to getting this collective process of engagement and analysis under way following my appointment of the senior independent chair, which I intend to finalise shortly. It is my aim that this process would be completed during 2009.