Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am reassured by the Minister's commitment to sustain employment in Bord na Móna. As I noted and he acknowledged, many towns and villages in County Kildare and the midlands owe their development to the company. Many families depend on the continued viability of Bord na Móna. When we consider that the company provides 450 jobs in County Kildare, its contribution to employment in the county is substantial. I know that the Minister shares my concerns in that regard.

This is not the first time the Minister and I have discussed Bord na Móna in the Chamber. Last year I raised with him problems being experienced in Kilberry. At the time he kindly agreed to arrange a meeting with the then chief executive of the company, Mr. Mike Quinn. While a meeting took place, unfortunately, Mr. Quinn did not attend. I understand a new chief executive officer, Mr. Tom Donnellan, will start work on 18 April. I ask the Minister to use his good offices to ensure a meeting will take place between Mr. Donnellan and Deputies and Senators from the counties impacted on by Bord na Móna. It would be good to have a meeting with Mr. Donnellan early in his tenure to assure him of our support and raise our concerns about individuals in our counties.

Will the Minister give a commitment to ring-fence revenues from the carbon tax for investment in renewable energy resources? I thank him for his time and positive response.

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