Report: Govt considers selling part of ESB

It has been reported that the Government is considering selling a minority stake of the ESB to the private sector.

According to the radio station Newstalk, this should raise approximately €2bn for the State.

It is understood that tentative soundings have already been taken to ascertain what level of interest there might be among foreign energy firms.

Meanwhile, the head of ESB group of unions, Brendan Ogle, has been defending his record as a trade union official.

In a statement seen by Newstalk, Mr Ogle said that the ESB is "top-heavy with management positions" and that "workers down the line have accepted much more drastic cuts".

Referring to his recent controversial speech, he said that any issues arising should be dealt with by the group of unions.