Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

However, with other State bodies there is no automatic guarantee in this regard. There may or may not be a debate. The Minister of State is suggesting that we return to each Act and do what applies in respect of Uisce Éireann, that is, include a provision stipulating that if the relevant State asset or part thereof is to be sold, there will need to be a debate. I am saying that does not make any sense. First, it would clog up the whole legislative programme if we had to amend eight separate Acts. What we have in front of us is legislation that could, when passed, be the vehicle used to dispose of an interest in any State asset. We should state in this legislation that where a Government intends to sell off a State asset or part thereof, there should be a debate in this House. With regard to Uisce Éireann, there would be a debate anyway but, regarding those bodies that are not subject to an automatic debate at present, there would be a requirement for one if my proposal on disposals were accepted.

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