ESB sell-off 'a disaster for consumers and workers'

Martin Ferris TD

THE news that the Fine Gael/Labour Party Government is to sell off part of the taxpayers’ stake in the ESB will be “a disaster for consumers and ESB workers”, Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said.

Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte made the announcement in response to a question tabled by Deputy Ferris.

Deputy Ferris said:

Any sale of part of the ESB would be a disaster for consumers and ESB workers. There is no rationale for the decision other than that the Government is being pressurised by the IMF and EU to sell off state assets to service the debt.

Significantly, Minister Rabbitte did not even refer to previous Government claims that the proceeds of any sale would be invested in a new state energy company, New Era.