Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I will be crystal clear for Deputy Boyd Barrett. The decision rests with the Cabinet and the Dáil. The programme for Government is what we have set out to implement during this Government's term of office and it is very clear. It states that the Government will give effect to the sale of non-strategic State assets to the tune of €2 billion over this Government's lifetime. The Government will consider how that can best be achieved on the basis of appropriate market conditions and in consideration of what is not a strategic asset. The Dáil will be fully appraised and allowed to discuss the matter. I hope that is clear.

In respect of Deputy Coffey's contribution, the previous EU and IMF deal recommended that a sale of State assets should be used for debt forgiveness only. The Minister responsible for public expenditure dealing with the matter was party to the negotiations which changed the deal with the troika in a number of areas, one of which is in respect of any sale of a non-strategic State asset. On a case by case basis that would be examined in the context of investing that money in job creation and job initiatives.

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