SF Criticises Decision To Sell Off Retail Operation Of Bord Gáis

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD has criticised the decision by the Government to sell off part of Bord Gáis.

Deputy Ferris said: "Unfortunately the information I received last week in relation to selling off the Bord Gáis retail operation has been confirmed. This will allow opportunistic private companies to charge for the gas which will still in essence remain under state control through the retention of Bord Gáis ownership of the network and transmission. It makes no sense outside of the pressure to sell off state assets in order to pay off the banking debt.


"Experience from other countries also points to privatisation having negative effects for consumers in relation to both service and costs. The €3 billion figure and the fact that two thirds of the proceeds of sales will go to pay the debt makes a mockery of the government’s claim that they would set a limit of €2 billion on any sale, and of their claim that the proceeds would go to job creation."

(CD/GK)