Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Cabinet approval recently given to Bord na Móna's future strategy proposals including the pursuit of interests with waste disposal and alternative energy companies; his views on whether the way is being prepared for the privatisation of Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34349/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The programme for Government, agreed in June 2002, states that the Government will approach the issue of the appropriate form of ownership or structure for state companies on a case-by-case basis and will support the maximum commercial freedom of semi-State companies, subject to the fulfilment of national strategic and balanced regional policy objectives.

Bord na Móna's future strategy proposals, which I recently approved in principle in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, include diversification into renewable energy, the development of the company's environmental solutions businesses, including waste management, and extracting best value from its land and property asset portfolio, while continuing to maintain its existing peat stock, solid fuels and horticultural businesses.

The approval of the strategy not only supports the concept of maximum commercial freedom for the company but also ensures the long-term viability of the company having regard to the declining and finite nature of its existing peat-based energy supply, solid fuel and horticulture businesses. I have no plan for the privatisation of Bord na Móna.