Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----that monopolies, whether public or private, are bad for competition and consumers. It is the fundamental responsibility of any Government where it sees a monopoly to do its best to break it up in the interests of the people.

I accept what colleagues have said that there is a very strong connection between the forests and the people, not only in terms of leisure activities and amenities and all of the great recreational pursuits which go with them, but also in terms of the huge potential of the forests into the future in the context of exports. I understand Coillte, on behalf of the State, owns approximately 7% of the total landmass of the country, but up to 20% to 25% of this is used for non-commercial purposes. We will address this issue not only on a value for money basis but also on the basis of what is in the interests of the country.

We have taken the view that some of the assets of Bord Gáis should be used for the purpose of providing a stimulus in terms of job creation, investment and providing opportunities. That is the way to go. In the decision taken to establish Irish Water, a concrete idea, we are using public assets for the purpose of creating other public assets and utilities.

There is no proposal, but if one is made, it will be brought to the House, as the Minister said. While the debate has been useful, we must be realistic about what can be obtained. Whether it can be obtained is a matter which needs to be debated, which is why I welcome this debate. However, people should withhold judgment until we have a proposal, about which the House will be informed.

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