Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

The analogy of the family silver is often used when discussing State assets. If my family were starving I would certainly consider selling the family silver, if I had any, but I do not think of our State assets in terms of the family silver but of the bread and butter we need for our survival. I hope when we are discussing this matter, it will not be a knee jerk reaction looking for a quick fix solution and that future generation will be taken into account in any decisions that will be made. I do not believe the nation agrees with selling our State assets. The 2011 TASC Equality Survey shows one in three agreed with the privatisation of State assets and 42% were in strong disagreement. The director said that instead of merely focusing on potential once off yields, the privatisation debate needs to focus on the full costs and benefits to the public and the economy. The calculations must comprise the triple bottom line of economic, environment and social costs and benefits. The once off benefit from such sales must be balanced against risks, of which there are three: higher energy costs, lost income streams and reduced employment. Those risks are real. We do not want higher prices for essential services, we do not want more people to lose their jobs and we do not want to throw away potential income.

Mistakes were made by Eircom and the country lost out. We could do without a repetition. The wishes of the elected representatives on Dublin City Council are being ignored by the executive in order to privatise waste services. If privatisation goes ahead what type of regulation can there be with a cap on salaries and so on, or will the company be given carte blanche with the public ending up paying, as we see happening in Britain where private operators have abused the situation of privatisation?

I come to the two "C" words, Coillte and Corrib. We have made so many mistakes in both of these situations. With Corrib gas, we have thrown away approximately €8 billion of what is a valuable asset to the country. When we compare what the Nordic countries have gained from their natural resources, let us not give away the other hydrocarbon deposits in Rockhall and the Porcupine Basin. If a multinational private company from outside this country buys our strategic assets, can they be trusted to have the best interests of this country at heart?

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