Bord Gáis sale and court reform
Deputy McGrath presses for disclosure of any acceptable Bord Gáis offer and asks about court-reform legislation; the Taoiseach promises House discussion of any sale and confirms the court-reform answer.
My first question relates to the Gas Regulation Bill, in respect of which the Taoiseach's earlier response was not adequate. If a reasonable offer is received for Bord Gáis Energy will the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, as he is obliged to, inform the House of it?
When will the courts (consolidation and reform) Bill be published? There are dozens of people outside the gates of Leinster House today who have huge issues with the courts. We all know that they are in bad need of reform. The new court to be established following the result of the recent referendum will not address this problem. Does the so-called reforming Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, who we are told commences work at 5 a.m. every day, propose to reform the courts?
Comment on this
The answer to the Deputy's final question is, "Yes". On the sale of Bord Gáis Energy, the Government has made very clear that there will be no fire sale of State assets. These will be only sold at the appropriate time and in the best interests of the Irish people. When a decision in respect of the sale of Bord Gáis Energy has been made the Government will bring the matter before the House for discussion.