Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. I am disappointed the Minister is not here, but I am sure he will be back to take questions.

It is a sad day. It is sad that we are here to talk about selling shares in the ESB, EirGrid, Bord Gáis, Coillte and Bord na Móna. Each of these is a strategic asset. The Minister will almost try and tell us that the provision of light, heat, fuel and power to people's homes and industry is not a strategic issue, but it certainly is. Deputy Donohoe asked where the money would come from and I can answer him. He said we should not take the Greek route because it is about to lay off 30,000 public servants. That is precisely the number the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, proposes to lay off. Perhaps the Minister should let the other parties in Government know that is what he is doing.

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