Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I always find it very difficult to debate this subject because of the strong ideological positions taken on either side which are unrealistic and very unfair. The right attitude to State assets is a pragmatic one. A lot of the so-called assets are not assets at all, rather they are liabilities. The Government is very limited in its options and what it can sell. If it decided to sell CIE, a so-called State asset, it would probably not get anything at all because it is a highly subsidised organisation. If it wanted to sell the DAA it would have serious difficulties because it is a highly indebted organisation.

The options open to the Government are very slim. I wish those who table motions and amendments on this would not table those which exclude all options. I note the Sinn Féin motion rejects the sale of State assets. I cannot see any possible reasons for not selling off Aer Lingus because a 25% holding is of so little value to us. The difficulty would be the ability of the Government to get a reasonable price for it because a buyer would only be able to purchase a 25% shareholding, if it is a trade sale, which would give it very little clout and it would be overwhelmed by the other shareholders. The Government would be lucky to get what it would call a fair price for Aer Lingus.

The Government is wrong to set up a new quango, NewERA, to look after the sale of State assets. It was unnecessary, put people in charge who have very little expertise and is a negation of its responsibility.

This is an emotive subject for workers and shareholders. I appeal to people not to take extreme views but to look at this on a case-by-case basis and be prepared to sell State assets at reasonable prices.

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