Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I remind Deputy Ó Cuív that when his own Government considered this matter in the first instance, there was no inclusion for the possibility of investment for job creation out of the potential or possible sale of any State assets. The Government has no intention of selling the Irish taxpayer short. In fact, the troika in its discussions with both Ministers last week was not insisting that assets be sold by a particular date simply because of the changed economic circumstances.

Despite the overall situation in the country, a great deal of interest is being expressed in the potential of a number of assets. The State will not short-change the taxpayer. There is no intention of selling transmission lines or gas pipes which are a part of the strategic infrastructure which is vital to our economy. There is a difference between the sale of non-strategic assets and strategic assets. The expert review group will make recommendations. I assure Deputy Ó Cuív that the Government will make its decisions in light of the best interests of the taxpayer and the country and in compliance with the programme for Government which sets out to realise €2 billion over the period of the programme. The extant decision stands in respect of the ESB.

Following the discussions last week there is interest in having an extended list of possible or potential assets that might be sold. I repeat there was no pressure from the troika to deal with these by a particular date because the Government is fully intent on not selling strategic assets but instead is intent on achieving the best possible result for the taxpayer. The conclusion of the negotiations was a significant change from the original concept, in that the Government will now, with the agreement and co-operation of the troika, be able to invest a substantial proportion of the proceeds of the sale of assets into job creation and investment for work.

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