Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In the context of the Programme for Government commitment to create a streamlined and refocused commercial state company in the bio-energy and forestry sectors, the Government decided in June 2013 that an evaluation would be carried out on how to give effect to a beneficial merger of Coillte and Bord na Móna. A Steering Group, comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA, has been charged with overseeing the evaluation process in line with the Government Decision. A significant amount of analysis has been undertaken to date. On foot of this, the Steering Group has received a report on the financial costs and benefits of a merger, prepared by NewERA in conjunction with the two companies. The Steering Group has considered and discussed this report, as well as the policy issues associated with the possible merger options addressed in the report. A final recommendation on the best option to proceed is now being prepared, to be brought to Government in the coming weeks.