No reversal of plan to sell part of ESB: Rabbitte

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has said the Government does not intend to reverse its decision to sell-off part of the ESB, despite a report suggesting the sale should not go ahead.

A team of senior civil servants has warned that selling the state electricity company would not get a good price.

The report follows mixed messages from the troika and the government over how the money should be used.

The Government insists it has the agreement of the EU and the IMF to use part of the proceeds for job-creation initiatives, but the troika has said it wants to see the job-creation plans fist.

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte said the report would not change the Government's position on selling part of the ESB.

"Due diligence has been carried out under the guidance of senior officials in my department and in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform," he said.

"They have completed their report, with advice from (economic stimulus body) NewERA …and that report is now available to Government."