Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when will he begin the programme of commercial semi-State asset disposal and private investment. [35195/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, under the EU/IMF Programme, the Government is committed to considering options for an ambitious programme of asset disposals, based on the Programme for Government and the report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, and to preparing a draft programme of asset disposals in this context to be discussed with the Troika in advance of taking final decisions on the programme to be pursued. As a signal of its intent in this regard, the Government has decided that it is prepared to dispose of a minority stake in ESB and has also agreed to consider the potential for further asset sales. Two inter-departmental groups have been established to progress these issues and are due to report back to Government in December 2011 in order that a programme of asset disposals can be finalised for discussion with the Troika by end 2011.