Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am confirming nothing because the Government has not made a decision on this matter yet. I have already indicated that to the House. I will revert to the House as soon as the Government has made a decision.

The Deputy asked whether my approach has changed. I have a pragmatic approach to solving the economic problems of this country and to determining what we can do to generate jobs. The first task I undertook with the troika was to change its understanding of what was to be done with the proceeds of State asset sales, which was to retire a little bit of debt. My determination and that of the Government as a whole was to use resources obtained from the sale of State assets to create jobs and reinvest in our economy. We have been very successful in that agreement. I want the proceeds of State assets to reinvest in current job creation. When we know the amount of money we will have later this year, we will be able to make plans on how to utilise it to create jobs in the economy.

With regard to Coillte, one must consider whether we will get the right price; the value; the costs that might arise; the impact on jobs, including those of the suppliers who depend on Coillte currently; and the environmental and recreational considerations. All these factors have been analysed very carefully and the analysis will be brought to the Government very soon.

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