Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to potential job losses at Bord na Móna's peat operations in Kildare and the Midlands; and if so, if he has discussed this issue or will discuss this issue with management at Bord na Móna. [7923/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998, day to day operational decisions are a matter for the Board of Bord Na Móna, and are not a function of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

I am advised that the planned outage until mid September 2011 of West Offaly Power will result in Bord na Móna's peat supply operations to that plant not being required during the outage with a consequent loss of revenue to Bord na Móna.

Some 150 employees are employed in the peat supply operation to West Offaly and Bord na Móna's focus is to minimise lay-offs among these employees by redeployment to other necessary work. Bord na Móna has recently concluded an agreement with the Group of Unions with regard to a work plan for the duration of the outage.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the possible transfer of certain Bord na Móna operations out of the State and, if so, if he has met with management or will meet with management on this issue. [7925/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998, day to day operational decisions are a matter for the Board of Bord Na Móna, and are not a function of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I am advised that, in line with its New Contract with Nature Strategy, Bord na Móna is continuing the process of diversifying its activities in order to secure a sustainable future, which will underpin employment in Ireland. A core element of this strategy includes the development of Bord na Móna's export markets, which may require some local presence in key markets to support export growth, as opposed to the transfer of operations from Ireland.