Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Is this not a matter that should have been discussed in the Chamber? The Government is selling off successful self-financing commercial State companies such as Bord Gais and the ESB. Instead of flogging off the State's assets to earn a quick buck, it should make commercial State companies part of the solution in creating jobs and generating growth. Both Government parties - bad enough Fine Gael but mór mo náire le Páirtí an Lucht Oibre - have stated the troika is making them do it. Sinn Féin has met the troika and its members have told us that while they believe in privatisation, they do not assert - they state it is a matter for the Government - that the memorandum of understanding binds the Labour Party and Fine Gael to following this course of action. It is the Government's decision and well may the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources smile. He is the Labour Party Minister who will give away what is left of our assets.

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