Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

-----and to wish him well in his tenure as Minister of State. By way of observation, and then there were two, which begs the question: who now holds responsibility for the food portfolio? That is an issue for a later question.

At a time when Coillte and the State are missing all of the targets they set - the target in the renewed programme for Government is 10,000 hectares per annum - how appropriate is it that the State forestry body, Coillte, would be involved in nursing home development? The Minister of State will be aware, as I am sure is the Minister, Deputy Smith, that some years ago the question of an internal audit arose and findings against Coillte about State aid premiums being paid to the State forestry body. I do not know if that matter was ever resolved but is there a question in this instance that is equally applicable? We were here before Christmas approving a borrowing facility of up to €400 million for Coillte not knowing anything about the nursing home development. Does an issue arise in this instance about capital allowances being made available to a semi-State body which has support from the State in terms of its financial position? It is unfair competition. This is something that should not be countenanced. All of Coillte's resources should be put into developing forestry and related activities.

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