Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

On a number of occasions, the Minister of State used the word "essential" about State assets but no one has defined what is essential and what is not. Will it be possible to advise the House on what is essential and what is not?

NewERA will allow enormous scope for a new form of community cooperative to engage with this programme. We must look at European legislation on the use of such cooperatives, which might not face the same inhibitions as State companies. I ask the Minister of State to consider that as one way to move NewERA forward.

See this speech in context