Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The Deputy's question refers to the commitment in the programme for Government to sell non-strategic State assets with a view to generating resources to fund additional investment in job creation initiatives in the economy. As I have told the House in response to previous questions, this will be done over time, when market conditions are right and in a manner that allows time to implement necessary regulatory reforms and ensure value is secured and fire sales are avoided. The Government has no intention of engaging in fire sales in this area. As I have indicated, good progress was made in discussions during the troika's recent mission. However, the Government has yet to agree the overall scale and composition of the programme to be pursued. In making its decision it will take account of any necessary regulatory, policy, legislative or financial considerations. These factors will, in turn, determine the timescale over which the programme will be implemented. The House will be fully briefed on the matter when the Government makes a decision.

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