asked the Minister for Energy whether he has had discussions with the Electricity Supply Board regarding the possible purchase by the Electricity Supply Board of parts of the Northern Ireland electricity network; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have not had any discussions with the ESB regarding the possible purchase of any parts of the Northern Ireland electricity network. The ESB do not have any such proposal.

I wish to draw the Minister's attention to reports in newspapers stating that officials from the ESB were actively looking at this proposal. In view of the fact that they would require his sanction for such a proposal could he now initiate discussions with them about their intentions?

I have not read those press reports but the Deputy will be aware that arising from legislation which was passed in this House last year enabling the ESB to become involved in consultancy services and other activities, it may well be that this aspect of their work comes directly under that heading. I would be prepared to have the matter further examined.

Is it not the case that under that legislation they will require the sanction of the Minister before they can proceed and therefore there is little point in them exploring the matter if he does not give some indication of his view on the matter?

As I have indicated to the Deputy in my first reply, the ESB have informed me that they are not pursuing this matter.

The Minister seemed to indicate in his first reply that he had no communication with the ESB.

I have had no communication with the ESB but I understand that the proposal referred to by the Deputy is not a matter that is being actively pursued by them.