Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to Question No. 4, the Minister referred to expressions of interest in respect of Bord Gáis. Could he give us a ballpark figure of the fees to be paid to consultants as part of the process? Somewhat perversely, the Minister seemed to indicate Ryanair's situation is actually preventing the sale of the 25% stake in Aer Lingus because of the various competition issues that arise. Is the Minister implying that the complication would not arise if Ryanair withdrew and that the Government could then proceed?

With regard to Coillte, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, stated the mooted privatisation of Coillte looks more unlikely everyday. Does the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform share his views? The Minister stated the ESB is selling off some power-generation facilities in the United Kingdom and Spain. Will it be selling off any in Ireland in the coming year?

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