Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding plans to privatise Coillte; if he will confirm whether the matter was discusses with the EU-IMF Troika during the recent review; if he will re-visit the plans with a view to take the privatisation of Coillte off the agenda and instead retain this vital State asset in public ownership and utilise it to provide training for the unemployed and the creation of long-term forestry employment, as well as a vital recreational and tourist amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23131/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As announced by the Government in February, consideration will be given to the possible sale of some assets of Coillte excluding the sale of land. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A short presentation on the role of Coillte and the issues that might arise from any disposal of assets was given to the EU-IMF Troika during their recent visit. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed.

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988, with one of the company's principal objects 'to carry on the business of forestry and related activities on a commercial basis and in accordance with efficient silvicultural practices'. Coillte currently employs 1,100 staff and provides a significant economic impact in all areas of forestry, timber production and other ancillary businesses.

I am conscious that Coillte, as part of its management of some 442,000 hectares of the national forest estate, plays a significant role in the provision of forest recreational activities, Coillte's forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. The company currently manages 10 Forest Parks and over 150 recreation sites throughout Ireland and has done significant work developing recreational facilities, with assistance for other state bodies such as Fáilte Ireland. Both in terms of their importance to citizens for ongoing recreation and to visitors during their stay in Ireland, as I have previously advised the House, any sale will take account of public access to recreational land.