Speaking on the Gas Regulation Bill 2013, which will facilitate the sale of the power generation and customer supply business of Bord Gáis, Fine Gael Mayo Deputy Michelle Mulherin, welcomed the legislation saying the sale will provide funds for future investment projects and that the Bill will address issues relating to competition in the Irish market.

Deputy Mulherin went on to say that the legislation makes it clear that the gas network infrastructure, including the gas interconnectors between Britain and Ireland, will remain in State control.

"I welcome the commitment to unbundle Bord Gáis, removing the energy generation aspect of the business and sell it in the public interest. The sale of Bord Gáis Energy (BGE) will free up much needed funds for the State which can then be used for job creation and badly-needed investment in strategic infrastructure, such as water, broadband and energy.

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"By investing in these areas we can ensure that Ireland stays ahead of the game in terms of continuing to encourage investment to our shores, while delivering services that are worthy of the people. Seeking out the best ways to stimulate growth and employment is a dedicated focus of this Government and by enabling the sale of BGE, funds can be obtained for future investment in projects such as NewERA which will help make that goal a reality.

"Where the Irish market is concerned, having semi-State companies in competition with one another is neither good for the Government as a stakeholder nor for the consumer. This means that ESB, Bord Gáis, Coillte and Bord na Móna are doing the same job in terms of energy generation and, in particular, electricity generation. This sees them competing for customers and spending millions on marketing as Electric Ireland attempts to win customers from Bord Gáis and vice versa at a cost in dividends to the State. To get the best value, the State should not be competing with itself.

"When the generation side of Bord Gáis is being sold, we must ensure that the company that's put in place is prepared to grow and invest in the business and compete in the Irish market in the interests of the consumer. If we learn nothing else from what happened at Eircom, we must learn that when it comes to the sale of State assets, it simply has to be done right."

(CD/JP)