Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm to Dáil Éireann, in view of comments made by troika officials during a meeting with members of the Technical Group, that money raised through the sale of State assets will be used to invest in job creation and not for the servicing of debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3809/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Troika view asset disposals as a structural reform measure – intended to improve efficiency and competition in the economy, while also offering the prospect of reducing overall debt levels. The Government, however, views asset disposals as offering the potential to release value from State assets for use on employment generating initiatives in the economy. As I have previously stated, in our most recent discussions with the Troika, they have signalled that, in the context of Government pursuing an ambitious programme of asset disposals, they would be prepared to agree to the retention of a sizeable amount of proceeds from asset disposals for investment by the Government in job creation initiatives in the economy. I can confirm that this remains the policy of the Government.