Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue arises in the context of a requirement under the programme. As the Deputy is aware, the troika has been involved in this. The context is that some State assets are to be sold. For example, the National Lottery will be issued with a new licence and the non-network part of Bord Gáis Éireann and some of the ESB power generation assets are under consideration. It is also proposed that the harvesting rights of some of the forests will be sold. The issue is being examined. The arrangement with the troika is that half the proceeds will be used for investment in essential infrastructure in the country and the other half will be used to reduce the debt. No final decision has yet been made by Government. This is being led by the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. When he has a proposal he will bring it to Government and then final decisions will be made. However, at present it is certainly under consideration. Several announcements have been made previously and several questions have been answered.

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