Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am sure such a NewERA programme would be welcome but wonder how it might be affected by the downgrading of State companies and the sale of the assets of such companies, as recommended by the report on State assets and liabilities. Will the Minister of State provide assurance that the programme investment will go ahead and nothing will be done in respect of the two component parts of the proposed State bioenergy companies, Coillte and Bord na Móna, that would prevent that taking place?

In the light of what has happened in Greece where the Government has been pressurised by the IMF and the European Union into selling off some €15 billion of state assets, can the Minister of State provide assurance this will not affect the NewERA programme, given the concerns that exist, especially in one part of the Government which is opposed to selling off any State assets?

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