Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

It is strange that we are debating the sale of State assets because the same debate is taking place in New Zealand, a country to which many of our people have emigrated. Last night, the New Zealand parliament voted in favour of selling state assets. The country has a budget deficit similar to our own of approximately NZ$18 billion. It is using the sale of state assets to reduce its budget deficit. It is fascinating to hear a debate taking place here and a measured debate taking place in New Zealand at the same time. I note the debate taking place in New Zealand is measured whereas here we are getting a rant, by which I mean that people pick up certain words within the debate and the legislation and on the sale of State assets and use it. Every speaker on the Opposition mentioned Eircom. Eircom was sold in its entirety. If we had held on to the strategic part of Eircom, that is the cabling and wiring, we would not have a debate in which Eircom would be mentioned.

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