Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date on restructuring the electricity sector, through finalisation of the Commission for Energy Regulation and ESB asset divestment strategy; when the transfer of the national transmission assets to EirGrid will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41720/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Assessment Asset Strategy agreed between the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the ESB in 2007 was designed to reduce the company's capacity share of the all island power generation market to below 40%. The CER has been closely monitoring ESB's compliance with the terms of the Asset Divestment Strategy. The necessary capacity reduction has already been largely achieved with the sale by ESB to Endesa Limited of a number of power generation plants. The ESB is completing further arrangements which will ensure the target is fully met to the CER's satisfaction.

The Government's policy in relation to the transfer of the electricity transmission network to EirGrid as the national transmission system operator is clearly set out in the Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020 and reaffirmed in the Programme for Government. I have consistently underlined the need for transparent and inclusive engagement with all relevant stakeholders in the process of implementing the Government's policy in relation to the ownership of the electricity transmission assets. That process of engagement is underway. As part of the process an independent analysis of the relevant issues is being commissioned taking account, inter alia, of EU developments and the all island Single Electricity Market. I have appointed Mr. Fergus Cahill to chair the process of engagement. My intention is to have the process completed as early as possible in 2010.