Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and I thank the chairman, CEO and staff of Bord na Móna for making themselves available on foot of the request by this committee to give us an update not only on the briquette factories, but also on other issues. I am glad that when Mr. Horgan moved to the last chapter of his presentation, towards 2030, he mentioned other issues that are very pertinent to the development and ongoing viability of Bord na Móna. As the chairman rightly said, we know only too well that the future viability of Bord na Móna is paramount to the economic activities of the midlands region and always has been. There has been much change since it was initiated, in respect of the power plants and other changes in work practices, development and so forth. All of that, thankfully, was done by consensus and with the agreement of the workforce and the communities in which they are located. That is why it is in place today and has a chance of survival into the future.

I might break up into three sections the issues Mr. Horgan raised. Before doing so, I am conscious of his role as chair of Bord na Móna. He was appointed by Government, by the former Minister, Deputy Rabbitte. The Government is representative of the people, so he is, by association, a conduit of the shareholders, namely, the public. He acts as that conduit in the best interests of the shareholder. He said when he was appointed and came before this committee in September 2012 that "The board will be collectively responsible for promoting the success of the company by leading and directing its activities". He said it would "provide strategic guidance and monitor the activities and effectiveness of management". I know he was well qualified for the role. He has an MA in industrial relations from the University of Warwick and was a member of the Labour Court for close on 12 years, first as vice-chair and then as chair for five years. Is that right, that it was from 1979 to 1984?