Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the interest of future generations if he could call off the proposals to sell off the harvesting rights of the trees owned by Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5461/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise that the Government decision in relation to Coillte was that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale. While the consideration process is at an advanced stage, no decision has been taken, as yet.

I also wish to remind the Deputy of the use to which the proceeds of such asset sales may be put as provided for under the EU/IMF Programme. As agreed with the Troika, half of the proceeds will be available to the Government to fund employment enhancing projects of a commercial nature, with the other half, while destined eventually to pay-down debt, also being available in the first instance to constitute a fund to underpin additional lending into Ireland.