Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

-----I am working on the assumption that the valuation of these assets is with an eye to taking a decision on whether to dispose of them in whole or in part.

Let us return to first principles and remind ourselves why the likes of the Minister, the Labour Party and many others and successive Administrations have put such a value and emphasis on the commercial semi-State bodies. It is because we have an understanding that the State has an obligation to its citizens to provide vital services. It is because we have an understanding that for the strategic development of our country and economy the State must play an active role. It is because we know when private capital and private interest enter the fray whether we intend it or not they distort those two objectives. This scenario is no different now.

Yes, we need to bridge our structural deficit and reduce the debt. Above all, we need to get people back to work and get Ireland match-fit for indigenous enterprise and international investment. A fire sale of these assets is not the way to do this. It will not assist the process of recovery. Rather, I put it to the Minister that it will prove to be the worst type of short-term politics opportunistically seized upon by some private investors. I genuinely believe if the Minister proceeds down this path, given his stated reservations and discomfort with it, it will be a decision and process which not alone the Minister but the entire population will bitterly regret.

See this speech in context