Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Barry referred to bank profits. As I said earlier in response to Deputy Paul Murphy, in terms of its original investment, the State realised a cash surplus in divesting its Bank of Ireland shares. There is no compelling historical evidence, which suggests that State banks do better than private sector banks. Neither model is perfect by any means. There are challenges with State banks as well although, to be frank, the percentage being divested is not one that would have resulted in significant influence with regard to bank policy or behaviour. It is approximately 13.9%. The Deputy completely exaggerated the impact of the sale of those shares as it pertains to the issue of access to mortgages or other loans. I do not see the relationship between the number of shares that are to be sold and the issues he raised.

As to the issue of the EU fiscal rules, which has been raised, the Government is engaging with and will be part of that review. Our submissions and inputs will be there. The Minister for Finance is the president of the Eurogroup and, given his position at European level, he is acutely aware of developments and movements on that front. These rules do not put in jeopardy the State's investment plans with regard to the economic recovery fund. Some of this is to be funded by the next generation funding from Europe, particularly with regard to the green economic recovery and jobs in the green economy and the digital transformation of our society in public as well as private services, towards which the plan provides resources.

With regard to the question raised as to the outdoor summer, Dublin city is actually one of the great cities for outdoors parks and facilities. There has certainly been a lot investment in recent years and over the past 12 months to enhance those parks and public spaces and to provide additional seating and some gym facilities. I visited quite a number of them during the pandemic in both the most recent and earlier lockdowns and many people are deriving great happiness and satisfaction from the amenities available across Dublin. One of the city's strengths in comparison with other European cities is its public parks. Dublin City Council and the various other local authorities are very keen to enhance those facilities. Government will continue to support those.

With regard to hook and line fisheries, I agree that these are very important. I met with fishing representatives recently. I met with all groups on Monday and at the weekend I travelled to Castletownbere and Union Hall to meet the fishers and various interests there. I have opened the social dialogue process with fishers and, with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, I intend to continue to engage.

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