Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

Does the Minister not realise preparation for the privatisation of the electricity generation has been going on for years? So-called competition has been a farcical joke, with the price of electricity increased by the regulator so that venture capitalists are tempted into the market by increased profits to create competition. What kind of a joke of a way is that to carry on?

The Minister did not answer me with regard to Aer Lingus. Is the troika pressing for its privatisation?

The Minister has not carried out an impact study comparing what jobs could be lost, as in many privatised industries, and the damage done. The Telecom Éireann privatisation did major damage to investment potential in this country as venture capitalists asset stripped for private profit. What percentage of funds will the troika allow to be invested if the Government sells it off? I will oppose it at every hand's turn.

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