Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)

I refer to the title of today's debate, which refers to releasing the value of State assets to help stimulate economic growth. It would be a positive discussion if we were considering releasing the value of State assets and discussing how State assets and the semi-State companies could contribute to the development of the growth of the economy. However, what we are really debating is the sale, which has been agreed, of a minority stake in the ESB and to bring a private interest into what is a valuable State asset. This asset could be directed by this Government to work for the good and the development of the overall economy. The ESB could be used to roll out fibre optic broadband to every house in the country. It is the only utility with a physical connection to every property in the country. This would provide world-class communications, something missing completely since Fianna Fáil sold off Eircom and destroyed any potential it had for the development of broadband infrastructure. The Minister and the Government constantly question where the money will come from. The ESB has shown that it can raise funds and it has carried out developments all over the world-----

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