Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the detailed impact analysis undertaken or requested by him on the sale of State assets with respect to national spatial planning and key infrastructure development, particularly with regard to the national transportation and energy companies; the likely outcomes of the entry into these specific markets by private concerns with respect to service provision to all parts of the country; if he expects any substantial new regulatory regime will be required to enforce Ireland's obligation under EU environmental legislation after the sale of State assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In deciding on the programme of asset disposals that I announced last week, the Government has been careful to safeguard the position of strategic infrastructure such as the electricity and gas networks and Dublin port and the deputy will have noted that they are not part of the disposal programme that I announced. The Government recognizes that this key infrastructure is vital to the optimum functioning of the economy and ensuring, inter alia, provision of quality services to all parts of the country and they will remain under State control.

The relevant Government Departments, overseen by my department and with the assistance of NewERA are now progressing matters with the objective of identifying by end-March any remaining policy, regulatory, legislative and/or financial issues, including the issues that the Deputy refers to, that may need to be addressed prior to disposal. Great care will be taken at all times to ensure any decisions are in the national interest and represent value for the Exchequer. It is intended that any issues arising will be addressed by the end of 2012 in order to facilitate transactions commencing in 2013.

I do not expect that a substantial new regulatory regime will be required to enforce Ireland's obligation under EU environmental legislation on foot of the programme of State asset disposals that I announced last week.