John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am glad to have the opportunity to take part in this discussion. The points I want to make echo those made by the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

This discussion is not about the sale of parts of State assets, rather it is about changing the different companies and businesses in which the State is involved and realising some of the value that currently exists within them and setting up new enterprises for the State to be involved in in the future. In fairness to Sinn Féin, it has been consistent in its approach in the Twenty-six Counties. It might have a different attitude in Northern Ireland to the sale of State assets.

I listened to Deputy Fleming, whom I like and admire. However, the somersaults in logic he made while trying to convert the Fianna Fáil position from one of favouring the wholesale sale of State assets to being opposed to the sale of anything to do with the ESB, while at the same time stating we should put NAMA, Anglo Irish Bank and the banks back into private ownership, was mind blowing.

A constituent contacted me to tell me perhaps we could sell Fianna Fáil into private ownership but I do not think we would realise very much value for it.

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