Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think it a good idea that we should do that visit at some stage. In the absence of any other members, I will ask my questions. I compliment Ms Hurley on her very comprehensive opening statement. I read it this afternoon and I thought it covered nearly everything I was looking to find. While I do not want to put her on the spot, the annual dividend payable to the State was not mentioned in her opening statement. In previous contributions she mentioned that financial considerations limit how Coillte might expand to some degree. I understand that Coillte paid a €30 million dividend to the State last year. I am not sure how much it was in previous years. Given Coillte's financial issues and the need for the Department to move forward so that it can achieve its really challenging goals, is it appropriate that the State should be looking for a €30 million dividend? Surely that is counterproductive. Ms Hurley went into detail about the other two Departments Coillte is working with. I fully understand the financial issues Coillte has trying to build capital to purchase land. On the other side of that, it is paying a dividend to the State. I ask Ms Hurley to elaborate on what the dividend is. Given the state of the markets, I presume Coillte has had a good year this year. Given the comprehensive vision Ms Hurley has outlined, does she believe paying a dividend to the State of in excess of €30 million is appropriate for her organisation?