Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 18 January 2012.

The decision on the regulatory treatment of the gas interconnectors is statutorily a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no function in the matter. The CER, as the independent energy regulator has a remit to protect energy consumers, ensure security of supply and support competitiveness. It also has a duty to ensure that new sources of gas for the Irish market do not result in unwarranted increases in the price of gas to business and domestic consumers. I am aware that on the 17th February the CER published a Proposed Decision Paper on the issue of the regulatory treatment of the gas interconnectors. Together with all players and potential players in Ireland's gas market, Shannon LNG has a key commercial interest in the outcome of the CER's ultimate decision on this very complex regulatory question and given the complexities there are many different perspectives on this issue.

The CER has announced that it intends to hold one further Public Forum for stakeholders on the 1st March. Given the multiplicity of perspectives on the matter, I expect that all stakeholders will be attending the Forum.

In tandem, stakeholders have the additional opportunity to respond to the CER by the 16th March on the matters raised in the Proposed Decision Paper. At the end of this period, the CER will assess all comments received and publish a final decision. I understand that the CER expects a final decision to be available by the end April. The CER's decision will bring the regulatory certainty which is needed by all stakeholders in the gas market including those with investment decisions to make.