Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I seek to understand whether any plans exist in regard to the forestry sector. The background is the McCarthy report on the disposal of State assets, which refers to Coillte. This idea has not developed on its own within Ireland as there was an attempt to put a similar plan in place by the British Government in regard to disposing of tracts of National Trust forest land. This plan was abandoned due firstly to popular opposition but also because the amount of money that would have been generated was such that it was not worth doing in the first place.

We are all very much aware of the budgetary difficulties we face. One of the principles the Government has laid down in regard to the disposal of State assets is that it would seek to ring-fence any of the dividends that resulted to ensure they would be transmitted into job creation. I know this is a source of negotiation and a focus for the Government at present. However, another criteria that should be laid down is the appropriateness of certain decisions. An issue I would strongly question is whether a suitable response to the difficulties we are in at present is to sell off an asset we have inherited from generations past, which has a commercial value to the State that may yet be great.

I look forward to the Minister's response. I am particularly interested in understanding the distinction between Coillte as an organisation and the deeds that actually denote the ownership of the land upon which the trees are planted. I would like to know whether the Government is aware of that distinction and whether any plans exist in regard to either.

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